Millionth log-in to Schools Portal

LOGGING on to Lancashire County Council's electronic schools information system is part of the everyday morning routine at Clayton-le-Woods CE Primary School.

But when the school bursar, Marion Barlow, clicked onto the site last week she had no idea that hers was the millionth log-in to the Schools Portal – and that she'd just bagged a £500 prize for the school.

Headteacher Sue Pennington said: "Either Marion or I log onto the Schools Portal every morning – it's just like opening the mail. We had no idea we'd were the millionth user!

"We use the Portal all the time and find it very useful. It's made a big difference to our paperwork and keeps us up to date with things like training, report s, reminders and statutory information."

The prize was presented to the school by County Councillor Pat Case, cabinet member for children and schools, who said: "The Schools Portal is a fantastic ICT system and over the past three years it's saved Lancashire taxpayers a total of £2 million.

"It also helps schools run more efficiently and effectively which in turn leads to children having a better educational experience. I am delighted to present this cheque to the school and I understand they are spending it on new ICT equipment, which is very appropriate!"

The schools portal replaces much of the paperwork which used to be sent to schools in the old 'school bag' system and through the post.

Savings have been made on printing, postage and transportation and also on staff time – for example, routine data collection forms can now be sent to schools with information pre-filled in, so that staff simply have to make any necessary alterations.

All of Lancashire's 630 schools use the Portal and usually log in at least once a day. As an ICT system it is constantly being developed and one of the latest innovations is allowing other agencies such as the police and health services to post up educational videos that can then be used in lessons.