iPad Scheme 2024
The Scheme for next year has now opened. We hope this information is helpful for you whether you were able to attend the meetings in school or not. iPads ordered will be delivered to the school and then to children for after October half term. There are no payments made until .
Parents can buy or use their own devices. Please contact the school if that is something you wish to do or find out more about. There is no obligation to take part.
The following page should hopefully provide you with all the information you need to make an informed choice about the iPad scheme. We have provided two videos for you: these videos provide the same information as the meetings. If you do wish to contact the school to speak about your options please do so. Mr Shepherd is your first point of contact. For those who missed the meeting please see below.
iPad meeting
Parental Partners
The videos:
1) a video from Miss Jackson; showing how it works in the class
2) a video showing classroom practice and children's perspectives
Underneath the videos we have highlighted some frequently asked questions and supplementary information however sometimes we recognize that you may have further questions. Again try for Mr. Shepherd in the first instance-failing that...Mrs. Kennerley
We are working to the following time frame:
1) Portal opens on 20/09/2024
2) Portal closes on 04/10/2024
3) School receives notification of leases and signs lease documentation
4) iPads get delivered to school for set up over the October holidays
5) iPads get handed out to children when school returns in November, families set up family sharing if they wish.
The Portal link to sign up is here
Portal Codes
Benton24
Please note lack of spaces!
The scheme is run in conjunction with We Are Sync-an educational reseller.We Are Sync
The Videos
How does it work in the class?
I wish to bring my own device?
Yes. Lots of Parents choose this option. They already have a device or choose to purchase a reconditioned one. It will need to be an Apple iPad, have at least 32GB. It will also need to support the current iOS (which is 17), you can find out if your device is compatible here. In this instance the device needs to be wiped by the schools IT technicians and set up from scratch so it can be managed by the school.
Currently there are around 45 children across Key Stage 2 who do this. If you choose this option then again you are also agreeing to the internet safety agreements and age restrictions.
Can I put on my own APPs?
Yes. You will set up your device using family sharing. This means you are able to add your own APPs etc. Ay home your child can, with your permission access APPs to the age limit of 12. Age Ratings : App Store Story (apple.com).
How are the devices managed?
The devices are managed by schools IT Partners-IT Assist. School is in the process of migrating to a system called Jamf. This allows 2 things:
- school can ensure content is Age appropriate on the device.
- all children have the same APPs that they will use on the device in school
- Jamf ensures the profile in school reverts to school settings, with only school APPs
What about e-safety?
Please see attached documents which go into more detail. However, in essence out of school this falls to parents and in school it falls to school. Whilst school will always support the community it serves the responsibility when the device is at home falls to Mums, Dads and Carers. The device will default to home WiFi settings. The link takes you to guides on how to do this on Virgin, however all home hubs have this facility.
School does check some devices on a weekly basis (mainly internet history/camera rolls) as and additional measure.
Children and parents sign an agreement to ensure their safety and parents are aware that only APPs that meet the rating of 12 are allowed.
Do I have to sign up?
No. By bringing your own device by whatever means does help the school. It helps with our stock levels and it helps us as it is money that we can invest when budgets are tight in IT infrastructure, there is no obligation and it remains parental choice.
So why should I support it?
The school remains committed to using technology and Apple devices in particular. They work well in the classroom setting. Staff are skilled in their use and it allows them to deliver the curriculum in a way that would not be possible without the devices. We are a Apple Regional Training centre that supports other schools in the use of the device. We believe they work. The intended purpose of the devices are as an educational device.
What about screen time?
Children are not on the device all day. They are used often but not exclusively. Screen time is something that parents should check up on their children's devices regularly. School advises that rules around safety and use of the device should be done before the device is unboxed.