New service for schools

Shropshire-based IT firm Express Solutions has developed an ICT service for schools which enables them to optimise existing resources and ensure any new spend has maximum impact on teaching and learning.

The service for schools has been developed by former teacher and IT specialist, Roy Bazeley - who heads the firm in Hodnet - in response to an increasing demand in schools for user-friendly systems and web packages.

Roy's support has proved invaluable in a number of schools including Worple Primary in London, where Express Solutions transformed the web-based resource which now allows the children to create an online portfolio of work accessible from home to interact with homework activities, and to communicate with pupils in other schools around the world.

At Worple, Roy updated software and provided training for teachers and teaching assistants, providing a more cost-effective approach than using the school's limited budget to replace already adequate hardware.

Roy said: "The work at Worple has been groundbreaking. Most schools can access their learning platform, but few have embraced the concept fully and a lot of the time that is down to lack of understanding and communication between technicians and teachers.

"My ability to become a vital member of the school team is down to my detailed understanding of both IT issues and teachers' needs, based on my own 18 years as a full-time teacher.

"Authorities may provide up to half a day a week of technical support to schools and this may be by someone who knows the equipment but nothing about teaching or the needs of the children. I am able to spend several days at a time getting the right systems in place that work in a practical user-friendly manner to the benefit of teachers and pupils."

Graham Underwood, headteacher, added: "Roy has employed a synergy of technical innovation and implementation dedicated to achieving excellent educational outcomes for our pupils, achieving maximum value from our limited budget."