Primary School

The team at The School were planning to implement a modern ICT infrastructure designed to help their pupils become more familiar with ICT.

Their vision is to prepare each and every child for a lifetime of learning, within an evolving, diverse world. Underpinned by a strong pastoral structure, a culture of learning is at the centre of their vision. They aim to deliver a broad, global curriculum with creativity at its heart. Independent thinking will be encouraged: an awareness of ecological issues and healthy lifestyles fostered; confidence and self-esteem nurtured; tolerance and good relationships valued; achievement in all its forms celebrated. Jointly, pupils and staff will be inspired by, and contribute to, the development of their learning environment. Motivation, support and challenge will ensure each individual fulfils their potential.

In an increasingly interconnected world, information technology will be integral to teaching and learning, enabling pupils to interact purposefully and effectively within a global community.

The success of their vision will be reflected in a safe and caring learning environment. Together, the high expectations of Governors and staff will deliver well adjusted, confident and happy children ready for the transition to the next stage of their educational journey.

CHALLENGE

Freedom were approached by The School in the summer of 2009 to discuss their requirements of implementing a new ICT infrastructure. The School was running a very old and out of date ICT system and had planned to take a fresh approach to ICT. They were looking for a comprehensive system in which the pupils and teachers could access applications and data centrally whilst maintaining a flexible rotation scheme involving different desktops and laptops.

As part of the new ICT system, The School wanted to have a scalable infrastructure that would allow them to expand on their new technology. The different aspects involved in the new changes would include:

• A new Server with daily backups
• Laptops for pupils
• Desktops for Pupils
• Wireless Connectivity
• Secure / mobile hardware storage
• On-going proactive maintenance
• Interchangeable and flexible pupil profiles
• Interactive technology and large screen projection
• Full configuration and installation of all systems

THE SOLUTION

New Server
Freedom supplied and implemented a new server into The School which enabled the pupils and teachers to store their data locally and centrally making it easier to work with ICT applications. We implemented a HP server to ensure that the mainframe of The School’s ICT systems was running on reliable hardware that uses that latest technology.

Laptops and Desktops for Pupils
One of the main requirements in The School’s plan was to enable large groups of children to easily access applications and data at the same time. The challenge here was to make sure that if the large groups were all actively using the ICT systems simultaneously, the server and network infrastructure would be able to cope with the traffic.

Freedom achieved this by using a comprehensive wireless system (cover in next point) and Microsoft Terminal Services / Remote Desktop Connection. Terminals services / Remote Desktop Connection (TS/RDC) allows an ICT user to connect to a live session that runs via the server. Basically it means that instead of utilising the majority of the local resources on each desktop or laptop, the live session connects directly to the server (unknowingly to the user), this then gives the pupils and teachers a major advantage. Each user now has the ability to work on one machine and then change to another session on another machine whilst maintaining all their profile settings and data. This gives all the classes the ability to use any laptop or desktop in The School and not have to worry about where their data was stored in the previous session or having to go back to another device to retrieve any work.

Wireless Connectivity
The ability to connect multiple users is any given classroom presented another challenge. To overcome the fact that the laptops could be used in any classroom with any number of users connecting, we implemented a wireless network throughout The School. This means that each user does not have to connect to the network via a network cable but can seamlessly and rapidly connect to the network wirelessly.

Historically wireless networks have been found to be limited and have struggled to cope with large amounts of network traffic. However working with Netgear, Freedom implemented a managed wireless solution utilising Netgear’s latest access point controllers and managed switches. These controllers and switches allow multiple users to contact to the network at the same time and effectively control the individually wireless connections, prevent the user being disconnected or experience low quality of service.

The way Freedom have setup the wireless system is such that allows for future expansion of wireless to cover other areas of The School by simply adding moreaccess points or a controller.

Secure / Mobile Hardware Storage
To have the laptops available in every classroom without having to take the class to the same ICT room, Freedom worked with Bretford to deliver laptops cabinets (trolleys). The cabinets allow teachers to bring the ICT lesson to each classroom causing less disruption and allowing for lessons to being quicker. The TS/RDC technology allows for each pupil to just log on and carry on working as they were the lesson before. The secure cabinets allow the laptops to be stored away in a safe location once finished with.

On-going Proactive Maintenance
As with any client having a new server installed, on-going support is essential. Freedom supplied and installed the new server at The School and is providing our Proactive Maintenance Services. Freedom’ proactive approach to IT support is something in which the company has built its reputation. Having evolved from traditional “break/fix” responses, Freedom now provide fast and efficient proactive support to The School. At the core of our managed service is the belief that if systems are monitored, well maintained, and managed then the likelihood of the client experiencing downtime is dramatically reduced.

The list below highlights how we maintain and monitor the ICT systems at The School:

• Fully automated, recurring and complete Hardware Inventory and Software Inventory and Audits
• Fully automated Patch Management
• Fully Automated User State Management
• Cross Platform Support (PC and MAC)
• Fully Automated Power Management
• Fully automated and scheduled Software Deployment and System Management
• Easy, Powerful and Comprehensive Scripting for System Management and Software Deployment
• LAN Discovery
• System monitoring and alerts Proactive Windows Event monitoring and alerts
• Secure Remote Control
• Secure FTP, Chat and Message Broadcasting
• Comprehensive, Integrated Management Reporting
• No limits on endpoints and number of users
• Easy and Flexible Administration
• Rapid Deployment
• Power, flexibility and scalability

Interchangeable and flexiblepupil profiles
With all the systems in place that allows the physical flexibility of the ICT systems such as the laptop at The School, the pupils have access to all their data via the terminal server / remote desktop connection. In reality this simply means that a user can start one session on a laptop and then save their data, shut down and then continue their work on another laptop without any loss of data.

This results in maximum efficiency and reduces the time spent by teachers assisting the pupil and trying to find their data on another device. The integration is seamless and is not noticeable by the user. They just log onto any device with their username and password and they will be able to access their profile from anywhere.

Teachers and pupils alike will be able to access their data and work even from remote locations as long as they have internet access and their machines have a VPN connection.

Interactive technology and large screen projection
Another project requirement for The School was to implement additional interactive whiteboards and large screen projection. As a technology partner with Smart, Freedom chose a range of their products to fulfil the needs of The School. This included interactive whiteboards, projectors and devices for pupils.

Also as part of their ICT upgrade, Freedom implemented large projection screens and displays at locations in The School. This was aimed at providing more media integration in assembly and large gatherings.

Full configuration and installation of all systems
There were many aspects of this project due to its size and individual requirements. Freedom appoints account managers to handle client projects and oversee them from start to finish and then continue to manage each client with care and attention.

Freedom successfully managed this project from start to finish. As a trusted advisor, the account managers are there to recommend technology and make sure that the correct products are purchased. All of Freedom’s account managers possess a wealth of experience and can help a client to scope a project, plan and assist with the implementation to ensure minimal disruption to the day to day processes.

Going forward, with the support team and the account managers there to assist The School, they can rest assured knowing that they are being looked after by professionals.