The latest SIMS Release (Spring 2019) is on schedule for 15th March 2019.
Once Capita has authorised the release, an email will be sent to all our schools as well as an update on our website, with information relating to improvements included in the release. Please feel free to visit our website as the improvements include changes to Behaviour Management, Bulk Data Deletion, the deletion of unlinked contacts and single staff deletion. We often get calls about how to make the best use of the changes so have decided to include some links to videos that you may find useful.
The NJC service term will be changing with effect from 1st April 2019. Full communications have been sent out to customers about this change, however if you missed this update, we have included it below:
You will need to create a new service term in SIMS Personnel and allocated Grade 1 as follows:
- Grade 1 point 1 will be £17364 and point 1A* will be allocated as a “Non-Cumulative” allowance of £156 per annum payable monthly.
Events
We have received a number of calls from the Local Authority regarding the accuracy of the data input into SIMS. It is import to maintain the accuracy of your data especially as this has an effect on Census, Pupil Premium, Attendance and causes various exceptions when being imported into the Local Authority systems. We have several upcoming courses that will help streamline your workload and assist in maintaining the quality of your data.
Please visit the events page on our website and book on the SIMS Office User Top Tips course either on the Tuesday 19th March or Tuesday 26th March. We have had positive feedback from our customers and I wouldn’t want you to miss out!
We will also be focussing on Key Stage Assessments over the next few months, starting with our SIMS End of Key Stage Assessment course. Be prepared and book today so as not to miss out on a place.
Website
We recently launched our new and improved website! Although the site looks very different, the information and resources that you require can be accessed by clicking on School Business Management and then SIMS/ICT Support – you will need to login to the Members Area as per usual.
We have also included the “Remote Support” option which can be accessed at the bottom of any page within the website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vanessa Fraser, Helpdesk Manager, has an IT background as a programmer and has worked in 6th form and FE colleges managing examinations. She thrives on pressure, ensuring that customers get the support they deserve. The IT Helpdesk covers the IT needs for approximately 150 schools, but mostly assist in their use of SIMS.
Please get in touch or visit our IT/SIMS services page for more information.
