Dinner Money Year End - new text files

The Meal Charges and Term Dates text files for 2009/2010 have now been uploaded to the SIMS Home Page.

Click the links below to download the files - they will need to be saved as text files where you will be able to get at them (i.e. your desktop, or memory stick, or shared drive).

• Meal Charges 09/10 - Text Document
• Term Dates 09/10 - Text Document

These and other related documents can be found on the Dinner Money planet on the SIMS Home Page.

Scheduled Sunday ICT Service Break 28.6.09

The following services will be affected by the Service Break from 8am until 6pm this Sunday:

• Network connectivity will be intermittent due to essential network maintenance
• The Corporate website, Cambridgeshire.net, Camweb and associated features will be intermittent
• Cambridge user data and profiles will be unavailable due to data moves
• One will be down for a brief period of time during the morning
• TCO will be down all day due to an upgrade
• One.net (ICS) will be unavailable due to essential maintenance
• Corporate Netilla will be down from 8am until midday

Essential network maintenance

All network connections on all sites will be intermittent. This will result in access to Camweb and any associated features (E.g. Mark's Blog), the Corporate website and Cambridgeshire.net being intermittent throughout the Service Break (8am until 6pm on Sunday).

Emergency Duty Team (EDT): If the network connection is lost you will be required to log out and back in to continue working.

Cambridge user data and profiles

Cambridge user network data and profiles will be unavailable due to data moves.

One

One will be unavailable for half an hour on Sunday morning.

TCO upgrade

TCO will be upgraded on Sunday and will subsequently be unavailable throughout the day.

One.net (ICS) maintenance

One.net will be unavailable due to essential maintenance.

Remote Access Services

Corporate Netilla will be unavailable from 8am until midday on Sunday.For your information there are three Netilla services operated by the County Council:
Corporate Netilla is used by County Council staff accessing County Council IT systems via the public internet. Access to the system is granted by authentication using a keyfob in conjunction with normal County Council network login details.
NHS Netilla is used by NHS staff to grant access to County Council systems from a PC on the NHS network via the secure link between the networks. No keyfob is required for this service.
Schools Netilla is used by Cambridgeshire schools staff to access County Council systems. Access is granted by authentication using a keyfob.

As soon as each service becomes available we will advise the Out of Hours Helpdesk (01223 717333) so that they can answer any queries you may have.

Should you have any queries regarding the availability of services on Sunday 28 June 2009 please contact the Business Support Helpdesk on 01223 717333.Information is posted and updated with details of upcoming Service Breaks on CamWeb. Please follow this link to go directly to the IT Service Break Information page.

E2BN Conference - Lick your lips, for this food is good!

Just when I thought they couldn't improve on yesterday...

Top nosh at Wyboston again - prawn rolls, spicy chicken with a sweet & sour sauce, not to mention the biggest potato wedges that your imagination can deal with!

Highlight was definitely the dessert though - little chocolate tarts and an accompanying grapefruit mousse (see picture). They were probably supposed to be separate, but I was hungry.

I shall certainly recommend this place to my friends!

Rob =:-)

E2BN Conference - Let's rock!

A musical interlude whilst we're waiting for the speeches to end!

I shall now play "Stairway To Heaven" by Led Zeppelin, in A Minor.

Cheers to the Gigajam guys for the loan of their Buck Rogers Guitar - I want one!

You don't need to applaud at the end, I hear applause in my head all the time.

Enjoy!

Rob =:-)

E2BN Conference - Who's walked off with my friends?

Hello, I'm Ginger. Have you seen where my two friends have gone?

They went missing from our stand last night, and I suspect foul play. I'm convinced they didn't walk off by themselves, because they don't have legs.

They are about my height, with happy smiling faces and arms held permanently at 90 degree angles.

Anyway, if you have any information please visit me at the ICT Service stand.

Love Ginger x

E2BN Conference - Just chillin'

Phew! After a few mad minutes, we can finally take a breather.

Our stand has certainly generated interest, not just with Cambridgeshire schools - we've had Norfolk, Suffolk, Peterborough and various ICT Solutions businesses taking a shine to our corner of the world (and helping themselves to free pens and pencils, of course!) - one out-of-county school remarked they wanted the borders of Cambs to be moved to incorporate them - bless!

And now, we're taking time out while the visitors are in their Lite Byte session.

Aaaahhhhh! Get the kettle on, Anne!

=:-)

E2BN Conference - Food, Glorious Foooooood!

They've done us proud here at Wyboston - a first rate buffet and no mistake!

The spicy tomato puff-pastry snack (pictured centre) was a particular highlight. Frankly, I can't see me eating my tea tonight because I might go back for seconds!

At the time of writing this, the plate is now empty

So now we've all had our nosebags, we're refreshed and ready for the next batch of visitors!

Rob =:-)

E2BN Conference - Man the stalls, here they come!

The exhibition is in full swing now - our first few schools have stopped by our Helpline and STARZ stands.

Milton Road Primary, Burwell Village College, Wheatfields Primary - nice to see you all!

The tempearture is rising in the marquee now - I might have to take my jacket off in a bit (it WOULD have to be warm today, wouldn't it?)

Had a walkaround earlier, and I zeroed in on the interactive music stand! Checked out their MIDI guitar, might be back later!

Anyway, back to the visitors!

Rob =:-)

E2BN Conference - Good Morning!

Well, it's gone 8:30 and we're all here!

We were busy setting up our stands last night, and as I'm sure you'll agree it's looking pretty smart!

Updates will follow during the day as time will allow - stand by for a report on the buffet!

See you soon

Rob =:-)

B2B Personnel Handbook

The SIMS B2B Personnel handbook has now been uploaded to the SIMS Home Page. This document details all aspects of the process.

Click here to read the file (PDF Format).

These and other School Workforce Census items can be found by clicking here.

Scheduled Sunday ICT Service Break 14.6.09

The following services will be affected by the Service Break from 8am until 6pm this Sunday:

• Cambridge data and profile access
  
• Aspire upgrade
  
• Eforms (NonStopGov)
  
• Netilla

Cambridge data and profile access
Due to data and profile work, Cambridge based users will be unable to log into the County Council network on Sunday. This work is being carried out on data and profiles located on CambridgeLocations and CambridgeLocations2 (CCCS010 & CCCS080) servers.

Aspire upgrade
Aspire will be down all day. Work is scheduled between 8am and 6pm on Sunday.

Eforms (NonStopGov)
Eforms (NonStopGov) will be unavailable all day.

Remote Access Services
Corporate Netilla will be unavailable on Sunday.

For your information there are three Netilla services operated by the County Council:

Corporate Netilla is used by County Council staff accessing County Council IT systems via the public internet. Access to the system is granted by authentication using a keyfob in conjunction with normal County Council network login details.
NHS Netilla is used by NHS staff to grant access to County Council systems from a PC on the NHS network via the secure link between the networks. No keyfob is required for this service.
Schools Netilla is used by Cambridgeshire schools staff to access County Council systems. Access is granted by authentication using a keyfob

As soon as each service becomes available we will advise the Out of Hours Helpdesk (01223 717333) so that they can answer any queries you may have. Should you have any queries regarding the availability of services on Sunday 14 June 2009 please contact the Business Support Helpdesk on 01223 717333.

Information is posted and updated with details of upcoming Service Breaks on CamWeb. Please follow this link to go directly to the IT Service Break Information page

Attention Remote Access Users

Changes to Remote Access System for CHMIS Users and Pupil Remote Access Users
Audience: CHMIS Users, ICT Staff at Schools using Pupil Remote Access

There will be a scheduled service break on Monday 15th June 2009, between 11:00hrs and 12:00hrs.

During this scheduled service break the ICT Service will be moving from the current version of SSL Explorer for Remote Access to the new version of SSL Explorer. The system will be accessed through the same Web Address (URL). Full details of services effected are listed below.

Remote Access Services: SSL Explorer will be unavailable during this maintenance period. SRAS via Netilla will be unaffected by this maintenance period.

Centrally Hosted MIS: Centrally Hosted MIS will be available during this maintenance period, if accessed from within schools. However, no remote access will be available to Centrally Hosted MIS.

Should you have any queries regarding the availability of services on Monday the 15th June 2009 please contact the ICT Service Helpline 08450 450 973.

Changes to Remote Access System for Staff Remote Access Users
Audience: All Staff at Schools using Staff Remote Access

The new SSL Explorer Remote Access System will be made available for current users of Staff Remote Access provided via Netilla from Monday 22nd June 2009. The system will be made available from 11:00hrs on Monday 22nd June 2009 via the current web address for SRAS via Netilla. Due to the way the technology works the new link may not be available until later on Monday 22nd June 2009.

The system will also be available using the Web Address (URL) https://ssl.cambsed.net .

Should you have any queries regarding the availability of services on Monday the 22nd June 2009 please contact the ICT Service Helpline 08450 450 973.

SIMS Year End Procedures 2009 - Update

Version 3 of the SIMS End of Year Procedures have now been uploaded to the SIMS Home Page.

Click the links below to read these notes:

• Year End 2009 v3 - Word Document


• Year End 2009 v3 - PDF Document

These and other SIMS helpsheets are available on the SIMS Home Page.

Dinner Money End of Year 2009

New End of Year 2009 notes have been added to the Dinner Money Planet.

The notes are available for both school types - Central Hosted and non-Central Hosted, and two formats - MS Word and Adobe PDF.

Click on the links below to read the notes:

DM Year End 2009 Central Hosting

DM Year End 2009 Non-Central Hosting

There are also new Term Dates for 2009/2010 available - the corresponding Meal Charges file will be posted on the SIMS Home Page as soon as it is made available.

These and many more helpsheets are available on the SIMS Home Page.

Year End Procedures in SIMS .net

Schools should have started preparations for the next school year in SIMS .net. It is essential that the next academic year has been added, any changes to registration groups made and the promotion process run before the end of this academic year (usually 31/8/09).

Once these procedures have been carried out, on the first day of the new academic year students will be moved automatically into their new Year Groups, Registration Groups and Classes.
Pre-admission Groups should have been set up with details of students due to start in September. Guidance notes on these processes are available for download from the SIMS Home Page on the Portal.

Following these procedures should ensure a smooth transition from 2008/9 to 2009/10. Secondary Schools have additional procedures to follow in preparing for the new academic year, e.g. Timetable, Personnel, Manage Classroom Staff, Cover and Academic Management. To avoid data problems at the beginning of the new academic year, it is essential that users follow the end of year procedure notes available on the Portal as it is very difficult to resolve problems if this process has not been carried out correctly.

It is also important that the correct Levels are assigned in NovaT-6 and sent to SQL before the beginning of the new academic year.

End of Key Stage - Key Dates

Have you imported your End of Key Stage Wizards for 2009? If not, please do so as soon as possible, if you do encounter any problems performing the import, there will be sufficient time to resolve these before the deadline for data to be submitted.

Even if you do not use Assessment Manager, importing these Wizards can be useful, any assessment data contained in CTFs imported into your SIMS will automatically be attached to the Student Details.

• Deadline for Foundation Stage Profile Results to be Uploaded via S2S - Tuesday 7th July


• Deadline for Key Stage 1 Teacher Assessments to be Uploaded via S2S - Tuesday 7th July


• Deadline for Key Stage 2 & 3 Teacher Assessments to be Uploaded via QCA (NAA) Website - Friday 10th July

Dinner Money .net

As you will have probably heard at our recent PUGS and SUGS briefings, Dinner Money .net is on its way!

All new, and fully integrated into SIMS .net. Schools will never have to Update Pupil Details and wave Magic Wands ever again!

We are looking to begin the ‘roll out’ of this product in September 09. Training dates will be published shortly. Initially we will be contacting all schools who currently use the Dinner Money 1.40 system. Your school will be offered a specific date and training venue.

If for whatever reason you cannot make the allocated date, please let us know as soon as possible. (Please be aware that due to the numbers of schools involved we may not be able to give you an alternative until very much later in the 09/10 academic year).

We are aware that CAPITA has contacted schools with a mail shot promoting this product. Please ignore this literature and if at all unsure contact the Helpline.

On-Line Reporting to Parents - Sims Learning Gateway

The DCSF target to give parents online access on their child's progress is September 2010 for Secondary Schools and September 2012 for Primaries.

The ICT Service is evaluating Sims Learning Gateway to enable schools to meet this target.
The Sims Learning Gateway solution is centrally hosted by the Council and works for both centrally hosted and self-hosted schools. The Education ICT Service hope to commence implementation early in the next academic year (2009/2010).

Licence costs to schools will be funded. There will be an annual charge for maintenance, costs being dependent on negotiations. We will be writing to all schools later in the term with more information about the service we will offer.

eyeProfile

As some of you will be aware, there have been some issues using the published version of eyeProfile (Version 3.0 Autumn 2008) when creating the end of year report to parents. Version 3.06C, which resolves these issues, is available for download from the Portal - search for ToPP.

If you are using eyeProfile to create a report to parents this year, we would recommend that you download and install this latest version (3.06C) to all machines in your school on which you use eyeProfile.

If you are not using eyeProfile to report to parents, then the version you have from the Suffolk website (as long as it is at least 3.0) will be adequate for your needs.

Behaviour Management using SIMS .net

A number of schools expressed interest in using SIMS .net for Behaviour Management after seeing how other schools were using it at the recent PUGS and SUGS meetings.

A training course has been arranged for Wednesday 17th June, Telephone 01480 376670 or e-mail ict.courses@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

New SIMS .net Home Page Training

Would you like to find out how to make the most of the new Home Page in SIMS .net?

If so, then why not book yourself on the half day course on Tuesday 7th July.

To book on a course, telephone 01480 376670.

School Summer Census

Well done everybody. We have been advised by the ONEVision Team that all but 20 schools had managed to successfully upload a return to the Collect Website before half term.

This was a wonderful effort. The phased access to Collect seems to have helped, particularly as Cambridgeshire was granted the first slot, uploading the returns, particularly on Thursday morning, was much easier this time.

Attention Centrally Hosted Schools

Please DO NOT save files into the Centrally Hosted SIMS .net folder unless specifically asked to do so.

The Home Folders, Office/Staff Share areas are available for you to save to. The Sims .net folder should only contain application files and folders. Any personal data saved to this folder will be lost should your SIMS .net folder ever need to be replaced and may interfere with the smooth running of SIMS applications.

Schools Workforce Census

There has been a delay in our programme for activating B2B personnel and importing staff contract data into SIMS .net in readiness for the School Workforce Census.

The OneVision Team have now received the EPM data and once it has been checked and processed into ONE we will begin our programme in earnest. Your school will be contacted
to arrange a date for your contract import to take place. If you are planning to be in school at any time during the Summer Holidays, your import could be moved to that date should you prefer.

Attention Schools using the ToPP Templates

Updated Templates are now available for download from the ToPP page of the Portal.

Schools using ToPP for Performance Analysis and Assessment Manager will need to import these templates, which allow zero entries to be made where assessments have not been possible.

FMS6 Database Size - Non-Centrally Hosted Schools

The FMS database file can increase in size to such an extent that it can have a severe impact on its operation. The database can be reduced in size by asking your System Administrator to make a backup using the dbAttach tool specific to FMSSQL.

You will require your sa username and password. Notes on this procedure will be posted to the Finance Planet on the Portal.

Centrally Hosted schools DO NOT need to carry out this procedure.

Your FMS data should also be backed up regularly. This can be done from within FMS by using the Route Tools FMS Transactions Backup.

Key Dates June - July 2009

To book on a course listed in Key Dates, telephone 01480 376670

• ToPP Summer Marksheets and Analysis - 5th (G) 11th (WB) June
  
• Personnel 7 - 9th June
  
• Equipment Register - 10th (WB), 16th (WB) June
  
• Fischer Family Trust Secondary - 11th June
  
• Fischer Family Trust Primary - 16th June
  
• SENCO Training - 16th June
  
• Behaviour Management using SIMS .net - 17th June
  
• FMS6 Refresher Workshop - 18th (WB) June
  
• End of Year Analysis of Performance data using Primary Target Tracker - 23rd (WB), 25th June
  
• Managing Student Data 3 (Year End Procedures in SIMS .net) - 2nd, 9th (WB), 16th (WB) July
  
• New Home Page in SIMS .net (half day) - 7th July

Venues: (G) = Godmanchester; (OC) = Oliver Cromwell, March; (ML) = March Library; (CPDC) = Cambridge Professional Development Centre; (WB) = ICT Service Waterbeach; (BMC) = Buckden Millennium Centre; (OV) = Over Community Centre.

Backing up your FMS database

There is a new method of backing up FMS, which will shrink the database and therefore improve the performance.

This is managed through FMS's own version of the SIMS DBAttach tool. To find out how to use this tool, click on the notes below, available in two formats:

Backing up FMS - Word Document

Backing up FMS - PDF Document

These notes and other finance related helpsheets can be found on the Finance Planet of the SIMS Home Page.

Central Hosting Downtime - This Thursday 6pm-8pm

CAPITA have reported a problem with the CTF (Common Transfer Files) following the March Release. This will affect the sending of End of Key Stage data to the Local Authority or the NAA.

It will therefore be necessary to apply Patch 13089 to rectify this issue. The Central Hosting system will be unavailable during this Thursday 4th June between 6pm and 8pm.

If you have any queries about the downtime or the patch being applied, please contact the helpline on 0845 045 0973.

Apologies for any inconvenience this downtime may cause.