Services for Schools

Our Services for Schools offering includes:

• School Business Server Solution
• School ICT Managed Services
• Project and Advisory Servcies
• Wireless Solutions For Schools

School Business Server Solution

A modern ICT network for schools which delivers a comprehensive solution but at a low price

Why might I need to upgrade my network?

Q. Is your curriculum or office network modern and integrated leveraging the latest services?

Q. Is your school’s data secure and being backed-up at regular intervals?

Q. Is your network stable and always available?

Q. Do the students have access restricted to their class work files and Key Stage software only?

Q. Can you share your school’s documents with colleagues?

Answering “no” to any of the questions above means maybe the time has come to upgrade your network to the AiM School Business Server Solution.

What is the School Business Server Solution?

The School Business Server Solution has been specially designed by AiM for schools who want a modern curriculum or office, multipurpose ICT network that is scaleable and has a future-proofed environment with low cost of ownership and administration.  The solution is based on the Windows Server 2003 platform and represents a 'one box-server' offering.  This means that all the key services of a modern client/server network are located on the one server, centralising administration making it quicker and easier.

The solution includes the latest network security, anti-virus and storage features,  power supply protection and a full backup utility as standard. It allows the deployment of the latest software taking advantage of the Becta licensing agreement with Microsoft and manages all network resources through the Windows active directory. The solution supports all types of client - desktop, laptop - as well as permitting the integration of wireless working for equipment such as interactive whiteboards.

These features contribute to a high return on investment (ROI) to schools who are working to a strict budget.

Drivers for using the School Business Server Solution

The School Business Server Solution may be in response to a migration, upgrade or even a clean install to replace legacy networking platforms some of which are no longer supported by Microsoft:

• Microsoft NT4.0 Server and earlier
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
• Windows SBS 2000.

Even if your school doesn't have a current integrated network but has a peer—to—peer workgroup using Windows 95/98 or Windows 2000 professional, AiM can design a suitable School Business Server Solution for you.

Implementing the School Business Server Solution

AiM applies its design & build methodology for implementing the solution, comprising the following key stages:

• Scope and specification
• Technical design and build
• Site installation
• Post-installation support.
• The solution comprises the integration of hardware, software and utilities from the market leaders in their fields, ensuring the latest quality technology on offer.

• Provides a complete solution for upgrading/migrating legacy networks to the Windows 2003  platform
• Enables the creation of centralised and regularly backed-up data storage
• Ensures a secure network through internal and external firewalls and anti-virus software
• Provides the ability to access network stored information and e-mails from any location with internet access
• Supports local authority internet connectivity
• Links with the AiM ICT Managed Service Packs

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A range of support and advisory services to support, protect and get the most from your school’s ICT infrastructure

Service Packs

We provide professional ICT support of stand-alone PCs, Macs and laptops and networked infrastructures. Our ICT support services are offered as three service packs — Silver, Gold, Platinum - and Bespoke, which allow you to choose the level of service which suits your school and budget.  In each of the service packs we offer the option of ‘self-service’ where we share with you certain of the more simple support tasks, leading to a further reduction in price. Also, with our proactive annual health-check for the Gold and Platinum service packs we pre-empt any potential ICT problems arising in the first place.  The price is based upon the number of PCs, Macs and laptops you have and includes any printers and other peripherals connected.  Plus, the one price provides unlimited support of the service through remote access. 

All our services have performance targets associated with them, so you know up-front the maximum guaranteed time we will take to resolve a problem or task.

AiM Service Desk

If something goes wrong with your ICT systems, or you require advice, or wish to inform us that changes need to be made, our award winning service desk is your single point of contact accessible by telephone, fax, e-mail or by accessing the service desk website.  All communications will be responded to promptly.  In addition we provide a voice message recording facility allowing you to leave details of a telephone call. 

Additional Services Available

We also offer other support related services to which you can subscribe:

• ‘Hot-swap’ PCs, Macs, laptops and monitors to temporarily replace devices which cannot be fixed at site
• A single price for the full provision of spares and consumables
• Ad hoc support services for tasks which are required but which are not in the service pack subscribed
• Support of mobile users away from the office
• Disaster Recovery and theft & accidental damage insurance
• Leased infrastructures, ‘pay as you use’ and equipment replacement services.

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Design, Build, Implementation and Training

We offer a range of tailored advisory and management services to ensure that ICT infrastructures and applications are designed, developed and implemented in accordance with your school specification. This includes wireless and web enabled technologies.

Performance, Audit & Quality Assurance

We can review your school’s ICT networks and equipment to ensure high performances are achieved and maintained through ICT service management.

Projects and Consulting

We can evaluate the integrity and availability of your ICT systems, security and firewalls.  We can advise on the best ways of improving security to oppose viruses, hacking and spamming, as well as data storage solutions to improve access, security of information, business continuity and disaster recovery.

ICT Support Services in Brief

• All PCs, Macs, laptops, networks supported
• Access to expert service desk and support engineers with wide experience of all modern and legacy technologies
• Problem fix, repairs and changes are undertaken remotely or on site using the latest diagnostic and remote control tools
• Services comprise moves & changes, admin & problem fixing, data back-up & storage, data recovery, procurement & removal, security and preventative maintenance
• A simple charging scheme with no extra charge for printers or other peripherals
• Responsive and great value costing from as little as £76** per PC/Mac/laptop per year

• Design, build and implementation of systems & networks
• Performance, audit and quality assurance
• Projects and consulting
• Evaluation, feasibility and business case development
• Security review, risk and business continuity
• ICT Training
• Naacemark assessments

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Information and Communications Technologies

What are Wireless Networks?

Wireless networks - or WiFis as they are sometimes known—connect computers like traditional networks except they communicate via radio waves rather than by physical cables.  This means that equipment can be located anywhere, making the solution ideal for schools as it does away with the need to install long cable runs in school buildings which were not designed to receive ICT technologies.  Wireless networks complement the use of cabled computers.

Why deploy a Wireless Network in your School?

Wireless networking works well in all types of schools and can bring both cost and educational benefits such as (i) lower cost of ownership, (ii) limitless choice in computer location, (iii) flexibility in using ICT for teaching and accessing the internet and (iv) integration with multi-media technology such as interactive whiteboards.  Wireless networks can be implemented anywhere — classrooms, corridors and around the school grounds.  They even allow communication between different schools or those on split campuses and are particularly cost-effective where high bandwidth data or voice communications are required.  PCs, laptops, PDAs and tablet PCs can all be linked to a wireless network and they are very secure.

Steps to Implementing a Wireless Network Solution

We will undertake the following steps:

1. Perform a site survey to establish a cost-effective solution to meet your needs
2. Create a wireless network design which optimises the technology, complements your existing infrastructure and will meet your requirements
3. Submit a priced proposal to you based on the design with diagrams and an explanation of our work method and timescales.

• Cost-effective alternative to a cabled solution
• No limitations on location of PCs
• Empowers flexible ICT teaching and learning
• Allows communication between schools and school split sites
• Flexible connection to the internet from any part of the school
• Secure communications

• Cabled networks support more users and can transfer larger files such as graphics, video and multimedia
• Cabled networks are faster than wireless networks
• Cabled networks provide a powerful network nucleus to which wireless networks can be added.

Naacemark is the flagship of the Naace Quality Assurance Scheme.   Naacemark for Schools is the much sought after quality benchmark for assessing ICT in schools and was launched in 2003. There are schemes covering primary, secondary, early years and special needs education.  Naacemark is also sponsored by Becta, DfES and NCSL.

The Naacemark certificate is awarded following successful assessment by a Naace accredited assessor, such as AiM, and is valid for 3 years.

Each School is assessed against the Naacemark Success Criteria in an ICT portfolio

• Whole school ICT strategy action plan
• ICT policy
• Scheme of work for ICT
• Planned approach to using ICT in the curriculum
• Assessment of pupil progress
• Use of ICT tools to track pupil progress
• Targets for improving performance and resources
• Commitment to whole school staff development for better teaching
• Commitment to developing communications between school and community
• Commitment to shared development with partners

There are many benefits to your school from working towards certification in Naacemeark:

Good practice check to show that your school is doing the right things in ICT

• Framework for effective use of ICT in teaching & learning
• Ratification of the importance of ICT to the curriculum
• ICT used as a tool to enhance communication
• Nationally recognised badge of success in ICT.
• Award published in Times Educational Supplement as well as Naace and Becta websites

• Fully accredited Naacemark assessors
• Expert specialists in school ICT
• Mentoring support for ensuring that the school fully understands the requirements for Naacemark
• Provision of useful guides and advice on filling gaps in school ICT for Naacemark
• Provision of ‘Are you ready for Naacemark?’  pre-assessment checks
• ICT portfolio assessment and award recommendations to Naace
• 100% certification success rate for schools working with AiM for Naacemark

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