School Profile
Charlotte Nursery and Infant School is based in Ilkeston, Derbyshire and provides education to approximately 280 children between aged 3 to 7.
Link ICT was engaged on a regular retainer to provide IT support. Part of this service included a regular IT review process to aid the School in identifying areas of IT support and additional hardware requirements that could further elevate the quality of teaching and enhance the learning experience of its pupils.
Services Provided
To help the school implement these improvements we initially evaluated historic IT support requests and combined this with our knowledge of school operations to define the approach and the specification of any new hardware.
The improvements that were identified and approved in this phase were the installation of five clevertouch Interactive Screens, an upgrade to the school PA system, an additional digital telephone handset, and the replacement of laptops nearing the end of manufacturers’ support.
In order to minimise the disruption to the school curriculum Link ICT liaised with our supply chain partners in order to ensure deliveries arrived so that we could complete the work within October half-term. By also having our scheduled support time running up until the installation period of October half term, Link ICT knew the exact scope of the work schedule. We also spoke with every key decision-makers to ensure they also were aware of the work being carried out.
Clevertouch Interactive Screens
Link ICT managed the specification and installation of five Clevertouch Interactive Screens which we procured on behalf of the school using the excellent relations we have with our supply chain partners to negotiate the best deal.
Our expert team then installed the screens onto either wall mounts or standing floor mounts within the designated classrooms. We also provided the 1-1 training required to ensure everyone was proficient at using the new screens. We therefore supported the school through the entire process. From problem identification, defining the need, procurement, ordering, installation and training.
PA System Upgrade
The existing public announcement system was installed in the school hall and was not working. Having agreed that this equipment was an important aid to school communication we defined the school requirements and contacted our suppliers to discuss the best solution to their needs.
We then helped the school to evaluate various options obtained quotations. Our process helped Charlotte School procure a high-quality audio system at a cost effective price. The new PA System now compliments the quality learning provided by the school.
Additional digital telephone handsets
We were also asked to procure and install a wall-mounted Yealink T-31G digital telephone handset point which we seamlessly configured to operate within the existing phone system. The installation involved running the network cable through the ceiling to the wall-mounted device to ensure it was operational and ready for the start of the new term.
Laptop Procurement
It was also identified that there were laptops being used by the school that would soon reach the end of their manufacturers’ support period. Link ICT was again appointed to define the specification, manage the procurement process and ensure the laptops arrived on time to be configured and handed out to teachers on their return from half term, thus ensuring no downtime in the provision of teaching.
Customer Testimonial
“We always felt like any questions or queries we had regarding the procurement process and how the work would take place were answered or handled swiftly. When it came to work being done on site, everything was organised with us really effectively. It was great to see it all coming together and completed on time ready for the start of the new term.”
Amanda Walsh, School Business Manager, Charlotte Nursery and Infant School
