Textbook - July 2024
It's the end of the academic year, and what a year it has been!
This month's IRIS Textbook is your gateway to getting ready for September with some handy hints and tips, ways to remain updated throughout the summer, and what we've got planned throughout the holidays. You can also read about our latest partnership with PAGS, the leading provider of special education technology solutions.
Throughout the summer we will be sending out communications to our customers to help you prepare for the new year, so keep an eye on your inbox!
Have a very well-deserved summer break.
IRIS partners with PAGS to support special education needs and neurodiversity in schools
IRIS Software Group has partnered with PAGS to enhance Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) management in schools across England. By integrating PAGS’ technology into IRIS Education and iSAMS platforms, the partnership aims to better support neurodiverse learners.
This integration will streamline the assessment, development, and provision of SEND support, significantly reduce the time needed for Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) to create personalised plans, and simplify high-needs funding applications. Both IRIS and PAGS emphasise the importance of inclusive education and efficient administrative processes to improve educational outcomes for SEND pupils.
We hosted a roundtable discussion with expert panelists to discuss improvements in SEND provision and how PAGS can support. Watch on-demand here.
It's no secret that schools have an ongoing list of pressures they face every day.
But, managing staff absences doesn’t have to be on that list. Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT) makes up seven primary schools and one secondary, and they have taken control of their staff absence issue with the help of Every HR by IRIS.
What does a Labour win mean for the education sector?
Labour recently won the election by a significant majority. Their education policies include ending VAT exemption for public school fees to boost state sector funding, increasing teacher numbers by 6,500 in key subjects, and adding 3,000 school-based nurseries.
The impact of these changes on both fee-paying and state schools remains uncertain.
In a new blog, our very own MD, Simon Freeman , highlights the need for careful consideration and efficiency in school operations.
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You can also hear expert opinions and thought leadership on critical topics related to education and technology, ensuring you remain informed and connected in the evolving field of education technology.
Overspending on school supply cover: Is there another way?
In recent years, teacher supply cover has become a pressing issue for many schools and multi-academy trusts (MATs) across the UK.
MATs and schools are under tremendous pressure to keep classrooms fully staffed and student attainment high; all while juggling tighter budgets and a UK-wide teacher retention crisis.
While the traditional supply cover agency model has worked in the past, many schools and MATs have begun asking, “Surely there’s a better way to do this?”.
In this guest-authored blog post, Teacher Booker’s Oliver Parsons examines the status quo of supply teaching, how much it’s currently costing schools, and what our alternative solution has to offer.
How does diversity help leadership teams at Multi Academy Trusts (MATs)?
Our podcast, UncomplicatED, is all about helping education leaders understand how they can meet significant challenges – including when it comes to assembling a top team for your Multi Academy Trust (MAT).
During the episode, What does it take to effectively lead a Multi-Academy Trust? Lord Jim Knight , Former UK Minister for Schools, Digital & Employment, talked to Simon Freeman about the matter.
Jim chairs the board of the 28-school E-ACT Multi Academy Trust; he understands first-hand how diversity can add all-important insights into a MAT’s top team.
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