A Complete IT Solution for a New School Build with the DFE’s RM6103 Framework

The Challenge

Deliver a comprehensive ICT facility fit for a brand new building.

As with any RM6103 project, the ICT scope was an extensive fit-out for a new school building, covering infrastructure, audio-visual equipment, user devices, professional installation, project management, training and ongoing ICT support. This extensive deployment had to be delivered in concert with the new school build programme, so detailed liason with the building contractor was essential.

Computeam was also asked to engage with the Trust on a number of wider initiatives including a Trust-wide migration to cloud-based teaching, learning and administration using elements of both Microsoft Office 365 and Google G Suite for Education.

The Solution

Early engagement and frequent communication.

Computeam quickly established an effective working relationship with the Trust after kick off meetings in January 2020. We finalised the scope of work and consulted on maximising the budget available to benefit pupils by amending the original bid to take advantage of value opportunities. 

Shortly after finalising the equipment list, Covid19 caused a national lockdown and significant disruption to the new build progress. Computeam and the Trust worked together on a variety of mitigation plans including an alternative temporary

site in Blackpool, but fortunately the build was able to catch up and the original implementation timetable was used. To mitigate ongoing supply chain disruption in the wake of Covid19, Computeam had core infrastructure delivered early to our offices and pre-configured to reduce time on site. Once the building was handed over, we swiftly deployed the core network infrastructure and were able to spend time ensuring that user devices and classroom equipment was deployed and tested fully before staff and pupils returned.

The Result

The project was delivered in good time and the first pupils began attending Lotus school in September 2020. Since then we have engaged with the Trust on a range of other projects, bringing our expertise to bear on their cloud migration to Microsoft Office365, and working to secure best value by adopting a strategic approach to audio-visual procurement. We are proud that this project was a success despite disruption caused by Covid19, and we look forward to a long-term partnership with the Champion Education Trust.

Client Statement

Computeam successfully delivered the ICT element of our brand-new school over the summer of 2020. I was impressed by the quality of their service and the proactive flexible approach they took to challenges, such as the disruption caused by Covid19. The project was delivered on-time and on budget.

Computeam’s specialist knowledge and experience of the education sector was apparent throughout the project and they made suggestions during the planning stage that enhanced the solution and added value to the Trust.

More widely, we are engaging with them on strategic improvements that will have an impact across the Trust, such as our ongoing move towards cloud-based teaching and learning.

Nicola Chester, Finance and Operations Leader

Computeam Statement

This project was made more challenging by the virus-driven disruption to the build programme and our supply chain, but the Trust were brilliant to work with and we were able to solve every problem in a spirit of partnership. The ongoing support we provide has been useful in keeping this relationship going too.

I’m really proud of the IT solution we delivered for Lotus and I was delighted that we completed and secured DfE sign off in time for the pupils to attend their brand new school!

Michelle Gibb, Computeam Project Manager