AGENDA ITEM NO. 5(6)

CABINET – 3RD APRIL 2012

SUBJECT: WIRELESS NETWORK IMPLEMENTATION INTO SCHOOLS REPORT BY: CORPORATE DIRECTOR EDUCATION, LIFE LONG LEARNING AND

LEISURE

1. PURPOSE OF REPORT 1.1 To obtain agreement to offer financial support to schools in implementing a “wireless network”

provision to all of Caerphilly schools.

2. SUMMARY 2.1 The report identifies the need for a wireless network solution to be available to all CCBC’s

schools allowing our schools to be at the forefront of schools throughout Wales.

3. LINKS TO STRATEGY 3.1 The report contributes significantly to the Education for Life corporate strategy.

4. THE REPORT

4.1 Originally as part of the 21st Century Schools bid to WG, provision was included to introduce a wireless network solution to all of CCBC’s schools. This would have had the advantage of making our schools at the forefront of schools throughout Wales. Unfortunately this bid was not approved.

4.2 The benefits to schools of introducing this initiative would be that they could take advantage of

existing and emerging new technology e.g. Wireless laptops. This could be integrated into curriculum activity to give more flexibility for learning, better engagement of students and ultimately raise standards of attainment.

4.3 A recent survey based on a pilot of two new schools estimates that the costs of introducing

this are in the region of £1m as follows:

£k • Secondary 435 • Primary 552 • Special 5

992

See attached for details. 4.4 To encourage and assist schools in adopting the technology it is considered that the

Directorate contributes to the overall funding requirements. This “pump priming” to be 75% Schools funded, 25% Directorate funded.

4.5 The overall cost of introducing this technology throughout CCBC schools would require support of some £249k. This is currently the amount of the Directorates underspend for the financial year 2011/12 which if supported by Cabinet could be used to finance the project.

4.6 The schools element of the costs will be able to be funded from their balances which,

Members will recall, are relatively high in comparison to other Councils in Wales. Whilst consultation with Heads has not yet been undertaken, a significant element of their balances have been earmarked for I.T. initiatives.

5. EQUALITIES IMPLICATIONS 5.1 An Equality Impact Assessment screening has been completed and no potential for unlawful

discrimination and/or low level or minor negative impact have been identified, therefore a full Equality Impact Assessment has not been carried out.

6. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 6.1 The overall cost of the initiative is in the region of £992k. This to be financed by Schools –

75% and by the Directorate of Education, Lifelong Learning & Leisure for the remaining 25%. In the event of schools not having sufficient funds available then it is considered that they could pay for their installation over a three year period.

7. PERSONNEL IMPLICATIONS 7.1 There are no direct personnel implications arising from this report.

8. CONSULTATIONS 8.1 The response from all consultees is reflected in this report.

9 RECOMMENDATIONS

9.1 That Cabinet approve the above report and the financing thereof.

10. REASONS FOR THE RECOMMENDATIONS 10.1 To enable CCBC’s schools to introduce a wireless network solution in order that they will be at

the forefront of schools throughout Wales.

11. STATUTORY POWERS 11.1 Local Government Acts 1972 and 2003 School Standards & Framework Act 1998.

Authors: Tony Maher, Assistant Director Planning & Strategy E-mail: mahert@caerphilly.gov.uk Lynton Jones, Operations Manager IT Email: joneslc@caerphilly.gov.uk Consultees: Sandra Aspinall – Corporate Director Education, Lifelong Learning & Leisure

Corporate Management Team

Cllr Phil Bevan – Cabinet Member for Education, Lifelong Learning & Leisure Phil Evans – Head of Information, Communication & Technology

Appendices: Appendix 1 21st Century Schools – Wireless Cost Breakdown