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Giving 22,000 children technology equity in the classroom
Giving 22,000 children technology equity in the classroom
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The Trust in summary
65 Schools across the trust
700+ Promethean classroom displays supplied
20+ school halls upgraded
A Plan – agreed, budgeted, over many years
When Adele Kane became Head of IT at REAch2 Academy Trust, the task of understanding the status quo of technology was vast. Doing so though, was the first step to bringing about improvement.
Given such a large responsibility, one that impacted thousands of pupils across dozens of schools, making fully-informed decisions with confidence was essential. Our Classroom Healthcheck® service was crucial and continues to help them manage their estate eight years later.
REAch2 has grown from 50 schools in 2018 when we first started working with the MAT, to 65 today - spread across vast areas of England.
Technology in classrooms was fragmented. Asset information was there but the details were inconsistent and unreliable, as were the non-technical elements such their readiness for learning, teacher experience, snags such as broken connectivity and so on.
What was clear, though, was that a teacher and a pupil’s experience depended on their school and their room. In itself this was contrary to the values of the Trust, but it also brought about challenges for the busy IT team.
Adele says "When a teacher reported a broken board, we knew the name of classroom but didn’t know which board it was – make, model, warranty status...it was a case of either making them wait or sending one of our IT technicians to help. It was a continual battle of time, workload, snags and understandably frustrated teachers - all because we weren’t in control of our technology. The Classroom Healthcheck® gave us this understanding and control – across all our classrooms."
“The Classroom Healthcheck® gave us this understanding and control – across all our classrooms”.
Having this more detailed asset register enabled a long list of other benefits, and continues to do so as we keep it up to date over time.
What the Classroom Healthcheck® makes possible
- A clear view of every school - every classroom, hall and reception area was surveyed according to criteria that the Trust needed.
- Spending with confidence - evidence, not guesswork, now sets procurement priorities, based on IT and procurement-led criteria, and readiness for learning.
- IT Management – knowing which technology is in which space – a whole new world of IT ticket and workload efficiency.
- Energy consumption – older technology uses vastly more energy than some newer alternatives. Understanding the detail, and the aggregated data, helps budget forecasting and supports a Climate Action Plan.
Talk to us about a Classroom Healthcheck®
One Standard, Best Value
"Regardless of which school they're in, teachers go into the classroom knowing what to expect and that they have the same tools, connectivity and so on. This is an enormous support for us, them and ultimately the pupils. Having this plan also means we’re compliant, getting the best pricing and the best service, from two big suppliers in Elementary Technology and Promethean working together"
Seeing Every Classroom
"With 65 schools across 200 miles, we can't have eyeson the ground in every classroom. Data is king though – I can see at a glancewhat we've got, I can manage it remotely and I can forecast and budget for itsreplacement – in many cases, in the 2030s!”
Secure, Always Updated
“Rather than a technician going round every panel in the school, updates are done automatically, over the air. The devices are locked down, secure and up to date, and it gives me oversight of the whole trust. I can assure the Board of Trustees we’re keeping our technology secure, safe and up to date, and strengthen our Cyber Essentials.”
Halls that work
“School halls joined the plan too. Together we rated each hall red, amber or green, so they were upgraded in priority order. The right solution has evolved as the technology has too - from bulb-based projects to large education screens that weren’t viable many years ago now are.”
A Team - stronger together
“Promethean, Elementary Technology and REAch2 work as one team. There is a single point of contact for training, surveys, ordering, installation and after sales, and no blame culture when something needs putting right. And IT in education is so busy! So most importantly, we trust what’s happening”
Want the same clarity for your trust? Explore how we help Trusts create impact in all areas, starting with our Classroom Healthcheck®.
Also, if you’re in a similar role to Adele and considering your options, subject to availability she’d be happy to share her experiences with you directly. Please get in touch, and we’ll put you in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Clear View of every school
Spending with confidence
IT Management
Energy consumption
Related insights
Arrange your Classroom Healtcheck®
Explore how a Classroom Healthcheck can help you
Arrange your Classroom Healtcheck®
Explore how a Classroom Healthcheck can help you