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VIEWS & OPINION Getting ahead in


the cloud Comment by MICHAEL OAKES, Product Manager, RM Education


When glancing at an article about “the cloud”, you may wonder if this is something that your Head of Geography should be looking at, or the person responsible for your IT estate. The answer is the latter, but the implications touch just about everyone in your school. Whilst “cloud technology” has been with us for


a while it is now gaining momentum, with most establishments using products like Office 365 and G Suite for Education. The cloud technology underpinning these solutions brings many benefits, addressing the big issues facing UK schools and Trusts –– security, fast and flexible access, consistency, saving time and money.


of a technology investment, it probably isn’t the right thing to do. Consider what is going to deliver the biggest impact to users – simpler processes, faster/flexible access, freeing up budget? If you know how and why technology is going to make life better, the better your chances of a successful project


• Keep an eye on the bigger picture Transitioning to cloud solutions means leaving old ways behind. The technology should be an enabler to a bigger change programme that leads to efficiency improvements. Focus on the big picture, don’t get derailed by minor distractions


• Review the whole solution Whether you’re implementing new devices, software or moving away from wired networks, consider the impact changing one component has on the final solution. Considering what teachers do in the classroom to make the technology work, from login, to monitoring students, to ensuring sufficient network bandwidth. Looking at the solution from the classroom to the cloud will help prioritise and implement the changes, and budget, required.


It’s no surprise


research from RM Education found that 81% of primary school respondents and 88% of secondary schools respondents are looking to implement, or make more use of, cloud based applications over the next 3 years. That said, many are struggling to demonstrate the immediate


benefits. Schools need to understand if, when and how to implement cloud-based solutions. Technology for its own sake tends to deliver a poor return on investment. RM Education has worked with thousands of schools to implement cloud technology, providing cloud readiness audits to help determine where schools want to be, and building digital strategies to deliver that change. Here are our 5 top tips to make the change the right one for your school.


• Start with the user If the user experience for students and staff does not improve as a result


• End with the user Training is a vital part of any technology rollout, staff and students must know what’s coming and how they will benefit. If users aren’t on the journey they’ll resist the change and benefits are lost. Get messaging out early as to what changes are coming and why they’re a good thing for them. Then make sure training is planned, delivered well, and support is in place for any follow up.


• Keep going Don’t stop. Once the training is delivered keep listening to users and build that into your solution to keep the experience improving.


You wouldn’t usually start a journey without knowing your


destination and the journey to implement cloud-based technology is no different. Getting there with momentum is key to changing your school’s relationship with IT and delivering new ways of working that can make a real difference to staff and students.


Planning for retirement – what the rise in pension contributions could


mean for you Comment by PARMINDER GILL, Advice Policy Consultant at specialist financial mutual Wesleyan


This September, the teachers’ employer pension contribution rates are set to increase from 16.4% to 23.6%. While there is no change in the employee pension rates paid by teachers there may be issues for teachers who work in independent schools. Unlike state schools, which will get additional funding from central government to fund the


mandatory 43% rise, many independent schools will have to find the money themselves. This could mean an increase in school fees to offset the cost or a more challenging decision to leave the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) altogether.


What leaving the TPS means for you If a school takes the decision to leave the TPS it will mean its teaching staff stop accruing their public-sector pension. All employers have a responsibility to provide their staff with access to a workplace pension, which means that if the school leaves the TPS it would need to provide


24 www.education-today.co.uk


an alternative scheme for its employees. This may not be as generous as the TPS. The TPS is a defined benefit scheme, which means that retirement


income is based on annual pensionable earnings, but many private schemes are defined contribution schemes, meaning that retirement income will depend on how much is paid in and the growth of the investment fund. If a school chooses to arrange an alternative scheme it can choose


from a range of providers, this includes NEST the workplace pension set up by the government.


What you’ll need to do Your school should tell you if it decides to leave the TPS. Once you’ve been informed your first step is to speak to your bursar or a financial adviser to find out what it means for you and your retirement plans. If you find yourself in a new pension scheme it’s important you fully


understand the features it offers. Where your money is invested and the likely amount you could get in retirement to make sure it is adequate for your retirement needs.


Seek specialist advice Regardless of whether independent schools remain in the TPS or not, the upcoming contributions increase is likely to have an impact on their finances. When navigating this uncertain financial landscape, it’s definitely


worth seeking out the advice of a trusted financial consultant who understands teachers’ and schools’ financial needs. With the right advice and knowledge in place, teachers will be able to


confidently navigate whatever challenges the coming months may bring. This information is based on our current understanding of legislation.


The information contained in this article does not constitute financial advice.


September 2019


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