IT services for schools and academies

These services include supporting and training for Public Sector Network (PSN) compliant broadband circuits and secure cloud based remote backup services. We also work with partners to develop and deliver quality services tailored for education needs and budgets.

MIS for LA Maintained Schools

We are pleased to be partnering with Arbor Education to provide both the MIS and Finance data base for our LA Maintained Schools.

Benefits of using Arbor

Below are just some of the benefits of moving to Arbor:

• Cloud-based product, enabling users to login from anywhere.
• Remove the need to maintain and run a dedicated on-premises server to host the MIS.
• Staff, in roles such as School Business Manager, can save up to 1.5 hours per week. Less time spent on busy admin across school gives staff more time to focus on student outcomes.
• Arbor’s recent “Return On Investment” report highlights that schools can typically consolidate two third-party systems because of moving to Arbor. Saving money on third-party licencing and support costs.

You can read more about Arbor Service description and FAQs.

Schools' broadband IT Circuits

It has never been more important for high speed, secure, reliable broadband connections that support the delivery of education either in the classroom or remotely using virtual classroom technologies. Find out more information about our IT Circuits services offerings 

FortiGate Filtering Solution

The solution is provided in partnership with MLL Telcom, based on their ‘Connect and Protect’ product and the existing Suffolk Cloud Network infrastructure.

This upgrade is part of an initiative to improve online safety and security measures for schools.

The FortiGate platform addresses the comments and feedback received from schools regarding the legacy Smoothwall platform. The new system aims to provide advanced filtering capabilities, ensuring a safer digital environment for both staff and students. It also includes enhanced reporting features. By implementing this service, the goal is to increase protection against emerging online threats while also streamlining access to educational resources.

FortiGate filtering solution - service description and FAQ's.

Moving from Active Directory to a Cloud Based Solution

Due to recent enquiries of exploring cloud-based identity management solutions, we wanted to provide some clarification around this process. Schools wishing to move from traditional Active Directory to a cloud-based identity solution will now be subject to a one-off charge to cover the engineer time required for planning, configuration, and migration activities.

If your school would like to proceed with this migration, please log a ticket with our Service Desk - ITServicedesk@suffolk.gov.uk. Once received, an engineer will review your requirements and provide further details regarding the scope of work and associated costs.

For clarity, Suffolk County Council does not charge schools for standard firewall and filtering changes, including the creation of new filtering policies or amendments to existing policies. To request a firewall or filtering change, schools should complete the firewall change request form available in the Broadband section of our website.

Schools' email service

This service delivers a managed Microsoft 365 mailbox solution for staff members only, which provisions schools with a .suffolk.sch.uk email address using Microsoft A1 faculty licensing. To opt in to this service and request a quote, contact the IT Service Desk on 01473 265555 or send an email to schoolsitservices@suffolk.gov.uk.

Service description and FAQ's.

Schools' email password or MFA reset

• Schools Mail Self Service Password Manager can resolve most password related problems.
• For more details of the service contact itservicedesk@suffolk.gov.uk and request the user guides.
• Complete this form Schools Mail Identity Verification Check if Schools Mail Self Service Password Manager hasn't resolved the problem.

Suffolk schools’ cyber security

Cyber security is an ever-increasing challenge for all organisations with threats constantly evolving. It is important that we understand these threats and use technology effectively to ensure that children, staff and systems are protected.

Suffolk County Council is committed to help Suffolk schools with advice and resources to support them with the challenges of dealing with the growing cyber threats they face.

• Suffolk schools' bronze cyber security service
• Suffolk schools' cyber security
• Ransomware advice for academia
• Cyber security FAQs

Redstor remote backup service

Suffolk County Council offers a fully managed backup service, where we monitor and resolve any issues with your Redstor backup. With this service we manage the amount of space you use and send alerts where you are getting close to the storage capacity you have purchased.

We also provide, through Redstor, services to schools and multi-academy trusts who wish to manage their own backups.

• Redstor service details
  
• Redstor remote backup service description
  
• SCC Remote backup support service description
  

SCC Procurement service for schools and academies

The SCC procurement team can obtain quotes on behalf of Schools/Academies who buy into the Procurement service using the Frameworks in place for ICT and AV equipment. 

For further details about the SCC procurement service contact the team on 01473 260266 or Procurement4schools@suffolk.gov.uk

Contact us and service updates

Call IT Service Desk on 01473 265555 or email ITServicedesk@suffolk.gov.uk about our services.