Connect the Classroom Programme for Schools in Bradford
All schools in Bradford should be in the next wave of the Connect the Classroom programme and we expect each school to be contacted by the DfE before March 2023.
What is Connect the Classroom?
Connect the Classroom provides schools with grants to fund new wireless networks, which means some network switches and all wireless access points will be upgraded. The new equipment must meet certain criteria set by the DfE, which is generally limited to Meraki and Aruba systems. See our post Funding from the DfE’s Connect the Classroom Programme for more details.
Who is eligible for the funding?
The next wave of the programme is based on the Education Investment Areas published by the DfE. All Bradford schools should be part of this next wave. For the full list of local authorities, see our post Connect the classroom waves 5 & 6
How do we claim the funding?
The process starts when you receive an email from the DfE (expected to be between January and March 2023). The email should be sent to the head teacher or business manager and it will come from an @education.gov.uk email address.
It is possible for schools to contact the DfE in advance of receiving the email to confirm they have the correct contact details for your school. Please contact us if you would like more details on this.
Do we need a survey or meetings before the DfE get in touch?
Prior to the DfE making contact, you don’t need an audit, meeting or survey. You could prepare in advance by checking how many switches and wireless access points you currently have, but you don’t need to book any calls or meetings with external providers until you are contacted by the DfE.
How do we place the order and receive the grant?
Once you receive the email from the DfE, they will send an information pack. They also hold webinars to explain the process in more detail. In order to speed up the ordering process and reduce the amount of time waiting for multiple suppliers, you could use a framework such as Everything ICT to direct award the work.
How we can help
As a supplier on the Everything ICT framework and as a partner with Meraki and Aruba, we can offer a solution that meets the DfE’s recommendations. We have worked with schools for over 15 years and have installed systems in earlier waves of Connect the Classroom, giving us extensive knowledge of the programme.
If you receive the funding and choose to work with us, you’ll be supported through the full process from the initial application to your go-live day. You can contact us about Connect the Classroom if you would like help or support.