We recently supported a Birmingham school that experienced a ransomware attack. The attack was understood to have specifically targeted their remote desktop and exchange servers before spreading across the wider network. This resulted in the enforced closure of the school as all files, MIS, safeguarding, curriculum, and finance systems were encrypted and inaccessible. Fortunately, the …
Brian Cape, Chief Executive of SIPS Education, explains why the organisation is so much more than the sum of its parts The current debate over the future status and funding of Channel 4 has really struck a chord (pardon the shameless musical-pun) with me, and as the leader of a co-operative and self-sufficient public-service it’s …
Sandwell-based SIPS Education has appointed Sarah Howard as its new Finance Manager and Company Accountant. She joins the not-for-profit organisation with over 25 years’ experience in accounting and finance, most recently working for a physical education charity based at the University of Worcester and at a Birmingham marketing agency Sarah commented: “I was drawn to …
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Chris Ward, former Director of Education, Skills and Employment at Sandwell Borough Council, has been announced as the new chair of not-for-profit education service provider SIPS Education. Mr Ward, who was Director of Education at the council, takes up the unpaid role from January, and describes it as a great opportunity to be able to …
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By Laura Hadley, Strategic Director responsible for School Food, at SIPS Education You only have to look at the shelves in your local supermarket to see that supply chain issues continue to have an impact on the food sector. Sadly, this is affecting every facet of the industry – not least school food and catering, …
Tanya Derham, Music and Arts Service Manager at SIPS Education, discusses the benefits, challenges and future of teaching music in schools I think I speak for thousands of pupils, teachers, and parents when I say how wonderful it is to see (and hear) the return of live music – whether that’s Coldplay in concert or …
The current fuel shortage crisis has created new challenges for school meals suppliers, forcing them to introduce a number of short-term measures to ensure children do not miss out. As soon as news of shortages broke, we got into discussions with our principle suppliers to mitigate the effects of fuel, food and driver shortages on …
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We’ve announced a series of appointments to our growing team, including the recruitment of four apprentices in its IT and finance departments, and 16 new music teachers in SIPS’ Music and Arts service. Danielle Whitehouse and Jack Stevens have joined SIPS as Apprentice Accounts Officers completing a level 2 Accounts/Finance Assistant apprenticeship; Sam Whitcombe and …
Brian Cape, Chief Executive at SIPS Education, has become the latest prominent business leader from the borough to join Sandwell Business Ambassadors, an independent group which supports and represents Sandwell businesses. SIPS is a not-for profit schools services co-operative for Sandwell, the Black Country and the West Midlands which provides a broad range of services …
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Amanda Defreitas, Head of IT at SIPS Education, examines the changing role of software in schools and what lessons IT and education professionals have learned from the last 12 months There’s no denying the growth of virtual learning that has been sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of technology and software in schools is …
