At iCT4, we have developed a Superfast Broadband package to provide UK schools with faster broadband services and robust firewall, safeguarding and monitoring systems.

Introduction

In 2021, we began a strategic drive to streamline Kernow Learning. We partnered with the academy trust to manage their ICT for 21 schools across Cornwall. When we came on board, each school had different internet service providers (ISPs) and safeguarding systems in place. This approach was inconsistent, complicated to manage, financially inefficient and in some instances led to recurring
technical issues.

A roadmap to bring Superfast Broadband to Kernow Learning

We developed an 18-month plan to overhaul Kernow Learning’s broadband. Since iCT4 is independent and has relationships with a variety of technical partners, we started by creating a formula to determine each school’s requirements based on metrics such as the number of pupils, devices, pedagogical aspirations and the available
technologies in the area.

We used our extensive local knowledge of Cornwall’s broadband infrastructure to scope the best solution for each school, whether that’s a superfast fibre connection or alternatives like satellite broadband for schools in more rural locations. As contracts came up for renewal, we used this framework to transfer schools over to iCT4’s Superfast Schools Broadband package (where broadband, firewall, filtering and monitoring are all managed in-house by us).

We also replaced inadequate filtering with a WatchGuard system that has multiple enterprisegrade cyber tools to increase security.

Throughout the project, we supported Kernow Learning with change management to bring schools on the journey with us. Along with monthly management meetings, we facilitated training webinars for teachers that gave them the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about updates to the government’s Keeping Children Safe in Education policy.

The result was a comprehensive ICT solution that provided Kernow Learning with faster, more dependable broadband across all of its schools and the insights they needed to exceed OFSTED and the Department for Education requirements.

For instance, there was now a single login to access safeguarding alerts across all of their schools—a major step towards creating safer learning environments.