Primary Schools: Case Studies

Primary Sector Case Study:
Our Lady of Grace RC Primary School

Using technology to get ICT into the classroom, underpinned by a quality technical support service.

The Issues that mattered to the school:

The school’s senior leadership team had agreed that their existing ICT resource was in need of modernisation. The thought of delivering an ICT enriched curriculum across the school excited both senior management and the teaching staff.  However, flexibility, consistency and reliability of ICT equipment were pre-requisite if the vision was to be made into a reality.  Their existing service agreement needed to be reviewed and a solution provider who could be a genuine partner and advisor was sought to address the challenge.

The Zentek Solution

Zentek was initially engaged as an ICT support provider, delivering a Service Level Agreement (SLA) that included an on-site technical visit for half a day a fortnight. This was underpinned by telephone support and additional on-site attendance in the event of a problem in between visits.

The school soon chose to engage Zentek’s account management model once the school became confident in Zentek’s ability to deliver the contract. This was demonstrated from the outset by continually exceeding expectations set by their previous support provider, particularly in areas such as 100% attendance against a pre-agreed schedule of visits and swift fault rectification when a problem arose.  All visits were agreed at the beginning of term with the school being assured of getting the same technician each time to ensure continuity and quality of service.  Zentek’s SLA clearly defines the service upfront ensuring greater clarity, forming a solid foundation upon which to develop the school’s ICT aspirations.

One of the benefits of working with an account manager was the school was kept up to date with new technologies and the sharing of best practice gleaned from other schools that Zentek work with.  This has resulted in a relationship of mutual trust between Zentek and the school.

To maximise accessibility to ICT for all areas of the school, Zentek recommended its “iBox – ICT in a box” mobile classroom solution as it provided a flexible ICT resource that would deliver 15 laptops to almost anywhere in the school.  Utilising the latest wireless technology, the new solution was integrated into the main ICT network, allowing for cross curricular use and consistency in teaching practice, giving access to ICT related learning resources.  During the new installation, Zentek’s staff updated the existing laptops and PCs to provide a consistent standard across all of the ICT systems.

The results have transformed the use of ICT at the school and has lead to a more effective and consistent usage of ICT for staff and pupils, increasing both standards and confidence in the new technology.

What the school says about the solution:

“We are absolutely delighted with our Support from Zentek!  We are really moving in ICT!!  Thanks very much!”
Miss P Jones (Head Teacher), Our Lady of Grace RC Primary School, Prestwich