AGENDA ITEM NO.

5(6)

CABINET 3RD APRIL 2012

SUBJECT: REPORT BY: WIRELESS NETWORK IMPLEMENTATION INTO SCHOOLS CORPORATE DIRECTOR EDUCATION, LIFE LONG LEARNING AND LEISURE

1. 1.1

PURPOSE OF REPORT To obtain agreement to offer financial support to schools in implementing a wireless network provision to all of Caerphilly schools.

2. 2.1

SUMMARY The report identifies the need for a wireless network solution to be available to all CCBCs schools allowing our schools to be at the forefront of schools throughout Wales.

3. 3.1

LINKS TO STRATEGY The report contributes significantly to the Education for Life corporate strategy.

4. 4.1

THE REPORT Originally as part of the 21st Century Schools bid to WG, provision was included to introduce a wireless network solution to all of CCBCs schools. This would have had the advantage of making our schools at the forefront of schools throughout Wales. Unfortunately this bid was not approved. The benefits to schools of introducing this initiative would be that they could take advantage of existing and emerging new technology e.g. Wireless laptops. This could be integrated into curriculum activity to give more flexibility for learning, better engagement of students and ultimately raise standards of attainment. A recent survey based on a pilot of two new schools estimates that the costs of introducing this are in the region of 1m as follows: k 435 552 5 992

4.2

4.3

Secondary Primary Special

See attached for details. 4.4 To encourage and assist schools in adopting the technology it is considered that the Directorate contributes to the overall funding requirements. This pump priming to be 75% Schools funded, 25% Directorate funded.

4.5

The overall cost of introducing this technology throughout CCBC schools would require support of some 249k. This is currently the amount of the Directorates underspend for the financial year 2011/12 which if supported by Cabinet could be used to finance the project. The schools element of the costs will be able to be funded from their balances which, Members will recall, are relatively high in comparison to other Councils in Wales. Whilst consultation with Heads has not yet been undertaken, a significant element of their balances have been earmarked for I.T. initiatives.

4.6

5. 5.1

EQUALITIES IMPLICATIONS An Equality Impact Assessment screening has been completed and no potential for unlawful discrimination and/or low level or minor negative impact have been identified, therefore a full Equality Impact Assessment has not been carried out.

6. 6.1

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The overall cost of the initiative is in the region of 992k. This to be financed by Schools 75% and by the Directorate of Education, Lifelong Learning & Leisure for the remaining 25%. In the event of schools not having sufficient funds available then it is considered that they could pay for their installation over a three year period.

7. 7.1

PERSONNEL IMPLICATIONS There are no direct personnel implications arising from this report.

8. 8.1

CONSULTATIONS The response from all consultees is reflected in this report.

9 9.1

RECOMMENDATIONS That Cabinet approve the above report and the financing thereof.

10. 10.1

REASONS FOR THE RECOMMENDATIONS To enable CCBCs schools to introduce a wireless network solution in order that they will be at the forefront of schools throughout Wales.

11. 11.1

STATUTORY POWERS Local Government Acts 1972 and 2003 School Standards & Framework Act 1998.

Authors:

Consultees:

Tony Maher, Assistant Director Planning & Strategy E-mail: mahert@caerphilly.gov.uk Lynton Jones, Operations Manager IT Email: joneslc@caerphilly.gov.uk Sandra Aspinall Corporate Director Education, Lifelong Learning & Leisure Corporate Management Team

Cllr Phil Bevan Cabinet Member for Education, Lifelong Learning & Leisure Phil Evans Head of Information, Communication & Technology Appendices: Appendix 1

21st Century Schools Wireless Cost Breakdown