Funding model decision needed. Harnessing Technology Funding Guidance for LA s/schools SWGFL services

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1 Broadband Funding Schools Forum Date Type of Decision Background Documents 27 th January 2010 Funding model decision needed Harnessing Technology Funding Guidance for LA s/schools SWGFL services Main Consultees SF Where applicable Planned Dates From March 2010 Where applicable Author Elizabeth Newey, ICT Manager CYPD, January 2010 Purpose of Report Raise the issues around funding for current broadband provision, and the importance of this central service to drive improvements in outcomes for all young people in Gloucestershire. Agree mechanisms to work with schools to ensure that ALL headteachers/governors understand these issues and the need for sustainable funding. Agree funding mechanism for for Harnessing Technology grant and the timetable and implications for schools Agree funding principles post ( or recognise the need to do this within the SF funding context, over the coming months) Key Recommendations Resource Implications Recommend Option 2 Funding streams for broadband for all schools will be linked to DSG and external grants for technology if they exist post

2 MAIN REPORT CONTENTS Background All schools in Gloucestershire are connected to the internet, and associated broadband services via SWGFL, and have been since Broadband usage across Gloucestershire s schools has increased since the network was set up tenfold. Schools must be connected via a Becta accredited ISP, supporting asymmetrical broadband ( ability to connect many computers at once, and upload/download across the internet and key services like internet filtering, access to the NEN ( national educational network), video conferencing. A full summary of the services schools must have is detailed below. Schools have asked if it is possible to seek alternative broadband connection services. To do this it is important to understand the current specification provided by SWGfL so that a true comparison is made and one which fully meets Becta requirements as follows: 1 Connection the type of connection at the local part of the network (bandwidth) 2 Backhaul...the technology and process in taking the traffic from the local part of the network to the core 3 Transit...passing traffic from the core to the wider Internet 4 Hub costs cost of providing the hub infrastructure charged to the spoke schools that require a hub not the school where the hub is placed ( we currently help with costs here) 5 Managed Services providing the following: 5.1 UK and International Internet access. 5.2 Connection to the National Education Network (NEN). 5.3 Managed telecommunications. 5.4 Managed routers and hardware support. 5.5 Security including: Resilient firewalls Intrusion detection Virus scanning 5.6 Account Management, to develop the solution and service as requirements evolve. 5.7 Contract Management, to act as a single point of contact on all service related issues. 5.8 Dedicated reactive support helpdesk, available 8am-6pm weekdays (telephone, , fax, web and video conferencing for all Managed Service staff). 5.9 SupportWeb Service monitoring, proactive support and systems maintenance Service reporting, including: Connected Establishment WAN usage web site Annual strategic service reviews for LAs Contention management 5.12 Change Control Service Welcome pack Secure Data Transfer 2

3 5.15 SafetyNet Plus Internet filtering SafetyNet Plus Content filtering Web and DNS hosting (250MB for secondary schools, 100MB for primary schools) SWGfL Video Conferencing. A directory service in accordance with E.164 addressing to enable one-to-one and one to many IP based Video Conferencing with the WAN, and one to one Video Conferencing with other RBC sites across the NEN interconnect Disaster recovery and business continuity plans (reviewed annually) SWGfL Mail accounts and a calendar or a discounted SMTP feed. SWGfL Mail includes: Anti-spam. (120 million spam s blocked per month across SWGfL Region) Anti-virus filtering. Intuitive administration website - for easy administration. Range of user interface templates - to suit the needs of pupils and staff. Banned word filtering - to encourage acceptable behaviour. Flexible mailbox sizes - to suit the needs of every establishment. Schools will also be aware of the SWGFL national and international reputation in leading work with e safety / safeguarding across the SWGFL network. All Headteachers/Chairs of governors have the responsibility to ensure that ALL of the necessary safety measures are in place for everyone using their ICT network. Schools who wish to look at other commercial solutions MUST satisfy all criteria, and use a Becta accredited ISP. Funding for broadband infrastructure has been allocated since 2000 by DCSF, via grant 121, and now the capital grant Harnessing Technology. Gloucestershire were required to match fund these grants, so money is allocated from DSG. The historic use of these Grants and money paid in by schools has resulted in a large county wide network connecting all schools. Options Both options are reliant on retaining central funding for LA SWGFL Trust central costs and learning platform developments. This can be funded from current DSG allocation, or with agreement from the HT grant. LA s are able to retain up to 25% of the grant for these purposes. Gloucestershire needs to be part of SWGFL to access central services and national strategic ICT developments on behalf of schools. Option1 Regardless of size of school, location, broadband speed, ALL schools are charged their full cost for current broadband services. (See spreadsheet 25 th January 2010 ) Therefore HT can be fully devolved to schools (except for a small % to cover central central capital costs) 3

4 Advantages Model principles agreed for future, making different funding models post 2011 irrelevant. True costs open to all, should allow us to drive down costs for later contracts. Disadvantages Costs per pupil are higher for some schools, depending on location and size. Option2 All schools retain broadband services independent of actual variable cost of service due to location, to ensure that provision remains a key entitlement for all schools, basing costs on a funding formula related to a base level plus pupil numbers, technology available and bandwidth. (see spreadsheet which will be available Monday 25 th January2010.) Advantages All schools will retain a share of the costs, This will ensure a central network. Although true costs are known, there is also clear understanding of the principles used to relay charges to schools. Disadvantages Some schools will still be paying less that true cost. Recommendation is Option 2 Consultation Feedback Consultation with SF strategic group, asked for more detailed analysis of the figures, and options for Gloucestershire. These will be presented today to the full SF group.january

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