Ransomware

As you will be no doubt be aware due to extensive media coverage, a cyber-attack recently took place that affected the NHS and organisations in over 100 countries.
 
This had far reaching consequences as the ransomware computer virus encrypts files and demands payment for the release of the data.
 
Our network security has not been compromised by this attack and Scomis remain on alert monitoring for any suspicious activity.  We are not aware of any issues with our supported schools – however, this is not the first such attack on public and private organisations and will not be the last.

Most ransomware attacks are spread through malicious emails.  These emails will entice you to open an attachment, or click on a link which starts the infection process.

If you suspect an email to be malicious you should delete it from your inbox as well as from your deleted items.

Do not open any attachments, or click on any links in emails that you believe to be suspicious.

Click here  for more details and to find out how you could help to prevent an attack in your school.

Technical Update

Behind the scenes, Scomis' Server and Network team are constantly working on the hosted platform which provides SIMS access to over 650 schools.  The team monitor daily usage and performance across the large number of front end and database servers which provide schools with access to their data.
 
Currently the team are working to move all schools to new servers, a process which will go unnoticed by users as it will take place outside core working hours, with 80 schools being migrated in the last month.  Over the Summer the majority of schools will be migrated to the new server platforms, providing an improved end user experience, as well as increasing capacity as more and more schools use SIMS in the classroom.  As schools move to the newer platform you will also benefit from updated internet browsers.
 
The team also take their responsibilities in the area of Security and protecting schools' data. Scomis is ISO27001 accredited and has a series of detailed processes and policies in place which must be adhered to when processing data.  Technical security plays a key role and the firewall security on the Hosted Application Platfom has been updated to a fully resilient Enterprise solution to protect data.  The recent Ransomware attacks (see article) and Denial of Service attacks were both stopped at the firewall level, while other organisations were not so well protected across the country.
 
The slides from the Technical Update at our User Groups can be accessed here.

SIMS Interventions

SIMS Interventions is a new module which was introduced into the SIMS Core product in the Spring Upgrade at no extra cost.  It is accessed through the Focus Menu, or through an icon on the Task Bar at the top of SIMS.  SIMS Interventions has been introduced to meet the needs of schools that are running a variety of strategies over and above classroom teaching to improve outcomes for pupils.
 
Research over the last decade has consistently highlighted the gulf in outcomes between children from deprived backgrounds and their more affluent peers.
 
 
SIMS Interventions allows the school to have a holistic view of the strategies in place across the school to improve pupil outcomes. Having identified which students are in need of extra support from data held in SIMS, SIMS Interventions will help schools to manage those interventions. This new module allows a school to plan, run and track which interventions are working best for the pupils/students and how cost effective they are.

SIMS Interventions can be summarised as a four step process:

• Identify under-performing students
• Set up interventions:  allocate staff and resources
• Run the Interventions
• Review outcomes and costs

More details on SIMS interventions can be found here

Scomis can support your school in making best use of the SIMS Interventions module.  A range of training options, from a Webinar for your Senior Leadership Teams or SENCOs, to Remote Training through to an onsite visit could provide the best way for your school to start using Interventions. Click here to view a brief video explanation of the product available on our website.

SIMS Upgrade

The Spring Upgrade brought new functionality into School's Core SIMS software.  In particular the Interventions module.  Elements of SIMS are always updated during the upgrade, with changes dictated by changes to Statutory Procedures and reporting elements, as well as introducing the Assessment Mark Sheets needed for the Key Stage Processes.  The linked slides will take you through the key points in the upgrade as well as details on the SIMS Intervention module.

Click here for more details.

Online Safety Update

Did you know that Friday 16th June 2017 is STOP CYBERBULLYING DAY?
Did you know Stop Cyberbullying Day now has its own official website?
Did you know that Stop Cyberbullying Day is an internationally recognized day of raising awareness and activities (on and offline)?
 
Find out more at: stop cyber bullying
 
Some Cyberbullying Statistics:

• 90% of young victims do not inform adults of online bullying issues
• Girls are twice as likely to experience cyberbullying
• Over 40% of all UK Secondary school students have been bullied online
• Cyberbullying can lead to depression, low self-esteem, low self-confidence,self-harming, social isolation and, in the worst cases, suicide

(https://www.cybersmile.org/advice-help/category/what-is-cyberbullying)
 
The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) and the Young Health Movement have just published a new report #Statusofmind:
https://www.rsph.org.uk/our-work/policy/social-media-and-young-people-s-mental-health-and-wellbeing.html
 
Instagram and Snapchat are identified in the report as being detrimental to young people's mental health and wellbeing.
. 
 13+!  Instagram's Minimum Age is 13+
(According to Instagram's Terms and Conditions)
 
What is Instagram?
Instagram is an App which allows:

• the user to share pictures and videos
• the user to post content and use 'hashtags' to share experiences, thoughts or memories with online communities
• the user to follow friends, family, celebrities and companies
• live streaming

 
Would you know if your child is using Instagram?
Did you know that it is very easy for anybody of any age to register with Instagram?
Did you know that there is no way to stop underage children from creating an account?
Did you know that underage (13+) children could be seeing inappropriate content?
 
Would you like to find out more about Instagram (and other popular Apps such as Snapchat)?
Visit the NSPCC and O2's website NetAware and find out more about how to start a conversation with your child about using Instagram and how to set 'Privacy Settings'
 
https://www.net-aware.org.uk/networks/instagram/

GDPR

Is your organisation getting ready for GDPR?
Do you know the law is changing to the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)?
 
The ICO's document 'Preparing for the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) – 12 Steps to take now' was published in March 2016!
 
Do you know this change is likely to be implemented in May 2018?
You will need to:
Know where and how, personal data you hold is being processed
Know where the data came from and who you share it with
Have effective policies and procedures in place
Fines for breaches of the GDPR will be 4% of global annual turnover (or Euro 20 million, if that is a higher amount)
 
Do you know there are 12 steps you should be taking in your organisation NOW?
 
To avoid the risk of non-compliance in 2018 download the 12 Step check-list available on the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) website

Feedback from the User Groups is that our customers would definitely value help in this area and we will be looking to roll out more infomation about what we will be able to offer soon.

User Groups

We have just completed our most recent round of User Group and we hope you found them useful.

We have also just piloted our first Virtual User Group to cater for schools in areas where we don't hold User Groups. Click here to find out more.

Examination Officers Newsletter

Click here to view the second edition of the Examination Officers Spring Newsletter

Post 16 Data Checking Service

Scomis are launching a new service for post 16 schools to provide an extra check when it comes to the post 16 data collected in the school's Autumn census file.  The service is available in phase 1 for hosted schools only.  Autumn census files will be collected from an agreed location on the hosted platform and checked for information relating to

• qualification and non qualification hours
• GCSE prior attainment and retake information
• Core Vocational learning aims 
• retention of students. 

A report on any anomalies found will be produced for the school and made available together with advice on how to correct the information.  Once the school has confirmed it has corrected the information, the file will be checked a second time. For more details please contact scomis@devon.gov.uk.

Capita Accreditation Survey

Thank you so much to all the schools that have completed the Capita Accreditation Survey for us – We can confirm that we have exceeded our target of 40% response by 4 whole days before the deadline and responses are still being received.  This is even better than our experience 2 years ago, for which we are extremely grateful for you sparing the time in your busy days. 
 
We have been blown away by your response and your comments - examples of some of the comments are below.
 
'We have used the Scomis hosted support and backup service since September 2015. Any problems, however large or small, are dealt with in a helpful and efficient manner. We are always amazed at the depth of knowledge of the members of the support team and the knowledge that they are there to assist us at any time has really improved the smooth running of the school'
 
'We cannot fault Scomis, they are very accessible, responsive and professional. I know that they have recently had a change at the top, but as a customer we haven't really noticed any change in the excellent service. As a trading unit of a local authority, I cannot think of another example where the unit has grasped the opportunities for trading across LA boundaries so successfully - and not at the detriment of their "core" customers in Devon'
 
'Staff on helpdesk are always very polite and helpful and never make you feel you are stupid!!'
 
'I have been an Administrator in Education for 20 years, and have only complete admiration for the Scomis Support Team, who must tirelessly solve one problem after another in a professional and friendly manner. Well Done Scomis!'
 
'I feel confident and secure in the Scomis support team. They are approachable, professional and efficient. Although they haven't 'sold' me any further sims products, I am fully aware that if and when I need sales/technical advice on any Sims products Scomis could be trusted to advise honestly and with integrity.'
 
So thank you for your warm comments and speedy response, all of which should help us to retain accreditation and continue to support you to the same high standard in the next 2 years.