Agenda item

Submitted by the Assistant Head - Information Technology.

          An update was provided on the project to date, and it was explained that the report did not do justice to the amount of work that had been done in the last year. Attention was drawn to the fact that there had been more developments in the Primary sector than in the Secondary at present.

They were reminded that on 9 November 2021 they had received permission to accept the Digital Strategy and an agreement to provide half the cost to get laptops for KS2, the Secondary and for the teachers, as well as tablets for the Foundation Phase, from the Cabinet. It was explained that this budget was in addition to the previous budget of £2.25 million to renew the network's technology. It was explained that over a period of ten years it was necessary to commit to expenditure of approximately £10 million for the equipment. It was pointed out that over 61% of this budget was to be contributed by the Council.

It was noted that such discussions had also been held in Anglesey before Christmas within their executive committees. It was explained that the main discussion that needed to be addressed was the internalisation of support. It was hoped to internalise the Technical support to assist the schools, and it was explained that this discussion was still ongoing with the Cynnal company by both Councils so as to discuss the work and the impact of doing this on the company. It was noted that legal and employment discussions were being held to discuss the impact of internalisation on the Council. It was ensured that there would be confirmation of these discussions by 1 April, together with its funding strategy. It was explained that something like this would compel the Council to employ additional staff. It was noted that the pilot scheme would be trialled before Easter, with laptops being prioritised for staff then Secondary pupils. It was explained that this timetable was dependent on the timetable from the legal team.

Observations arising from the discussion:

-        It was asked what the insurance provision was for the resources and how this was implemented. It was replied that there were no specific arrangements in place yet, but that research into policies was going ahead, with the best policy at the moment being £24 a policy per year. Confirmation was expected on the different policy options available considering that they would receive the equipment for five years but there was a possibility that some would break down or go missing. It was confirmed that regular updates would be shared.

-        It was asked if secure locations would be offered to keep the laptops safe. It was explained that there were significant costs associated with a charging cabinet and that serious consideration needed to be given to the actual need for the provision.

-        There was concern as to whether pupils would be provided with a new laptop if the one received at the beginning was defective. It was noted that it was hoped to supply the pupils with a new laptop if it was not possible to save the laptop they already had.

-        Significant social concern was shared as a result of pupils carrying expensive laptops with them outside the school, whether as a target for theft or to sell them on themselves.

RESOLVED - To accept the updates and the report.