Basic support package for MIS
This covers the cost of the Arbor licence for the financial year. Prices will be reviewed on an annual basis.
Alongside the licence you will receive the basic support package via the SCC Schools IT Team. This covers.
- Basic guidance to questions raised via the IT Service Desk, either via email or telephone. Schools will be expected to follow guidance themselves.
- Assistance via dedicated helpline for the census returns.
- Access to a range of webinars and help via the Arbor support portal.
Enhanced support package for MIS Support
We will be offering an enhanced support package at a reduced cost to the previous year's Enhanced Arbor package.
In addition to the basic support package, you will also receive the following support from the SCC Schools IT team:
- Remote support to guide you through day-to-day queries.
- Remote or onsite support where errors and queries cannot be fixed via email or telephone.
- Up to half a day onsite MIS training for new members of support staff, subject to availability.
We would strongly recommend that all schools purchase the enhanced offering to enable full support from the SCC Schools IT Team.
Following a review during the 2025/26 financial year we have managed to make schools who buy into this package a saving of 10% for the 2026/27 financial year. We will continue to inform schools directly of any proposed price changes to this service in advance of renewal.
For Arbor Finance support please contact Schools Choice for offerings via 0300 1231420 or email services@schoolschoice.org
Withdrawing from Arbor
This service is purchased annually on a 12-month rolling contract. To withdraw, you must inform us in writing via email to schoolsitservices@suffolk.sch.uk no less than 90 days before the renewal date:
- 1 April for Local Authority Schools
- 1 September for Academies.
For LA schools, notice must be given by the end of December and for Academies by the end of May.
If no notification to cease has been received, the service will continue and the school/academy will be charged for the full year.
If you are converting to academy status, please contact us to discuss further.
If you have any questions about the Arbor service or another IT service, contact the IT Service Desk on 01473 265555 or email ITServicedesk@suffolk.gov.uk.
