Unlocking the Full Value of SIMS modules
St Martin’s Primary School in Tipton is a one-form entry voluntary-controlled Church of England School, performing to exacting standards as validated by Ofsted.
The physical school building dates back to 1861, and the environment is characterised as a traditional, friendly school, where pupils are known by name and valued as individuals. There is a close-knit community of 250 pupils, with a vibrant learning ethos championing life-long learning.
Having a rich school history and established ways of working, it is fair to say that back in 2016 the school recognised the need to embrace technology to operate efficiently and reduce workloads. This said, Miss Sarah Bott, as Head Teacher, was naturally apprehensive of change. Although St Martin’s was already using most of the SIMS applications effectively, current assessment systems were very time consuming. However, the SIMS Assessment module was able to replicate the system and add further benefits, which in turn offered smarter working.
Miss Bott explains: “The prospect of using SIMS Assessment was scary at first. While I needed to be convinced, our close working relationship with SIPS IT made it all possible. The support from the team is fantastic and we now feel confident with the system and its capabilities. Knowing there is a dedicated on-site IT Technician to visit us regularly made a world of difference, coupled with the reassurance that SIPS IT were locally based and accessible by telephone and email too, giving invaluable peace of mind.”
Sharon Lewis, Curriculum Team Leader at SIPS IT, comments: “The benefits of using the established SIMS software with SIPS support is undisputed, but we totally understand the transition can sometimes be daunting, therefore our ethos is simple, we make IT work for you. At St Martin’s, this meant installing the software, offering group and one-to-one training and supporting the school as they became more familiar with the system and grew in confidence.”
Today, St Martin’s are extremely competent and well-versed on SIPS IT supported software, which is a critical part of the answer to running a modern educational establishment. SIMS products now power the schools MIS, namely, SIMS Support, SIMS Financial, the Solus managed service (offering timely updates to SIMS), Discover support (an analysis tool), plus, the friendly SIPS Technical support make it work for St Martin’s.
“Hindsight is a great thing. Looking back, we wished we had unlocked the potential of SIMS Assessment earlier. I have every faith in SIPS IT and they are a valued partner.”
Sarah Bott, Head Teacher, St Martin’s Primary School
