IT firm praised by academy trust for its work in schools

IT firm L.E.A.D. IT Services has been praised by Embark Federation for helping to make the IT systems of schools across the region more secure.

It comes after government data revealed that education institutes are more likely to have identified cyber security breaches or attacks in the last 12 months than the average UK business.

L.E.A.D. IT Services has worked closely with Embark to provide all of its schools – including Horsley Woodhouse Primary School, in Derbyshire, and Chesterfield-based Parkside Community School – with a fully-managed IT support package.

This includes standardising broadband, setting up filtering and monitoring systems and back-up software across the Embark Federation network.

L.E.A.D. IT Services has also built a system to analyse student data safely and will also ensure device and cyber security management of the schools’ iPads.

Lee Jepson, managing director of Pride Park-based L.E.A.D. IT Services, said: “It has been a smooth process working with Embark Federation and we look forward to building on this relationship.

“We have created an IT strategy for them with the goal to enhance organisational functions and learning outcomes for all. We are also in the process of developing a HR/payroll analysis system.

“I’d like to thank my team for being so brilliant and Embark Federation for being a great client to work with.”

Matt Crawford, chief executive of Embark Federation, said: “We have an excellent relationship with L.E.A.D. IT Services, and I’d like to thank them for their hard work and professionalism.

“We are aware of the increase in cyber-attacks on education providers and have full confidence in the service provided by L.E.A.D. IT Services.”

L.E.A.D. IT Services currently supports 70% of schools across Derby and works with other multi-academy trusts across the UK such as Reach2 and L.E.A.D. Academy Trust to help schools with their technology and IT needs.

Lee said: “We pride ourselves in our foresight and visionary approach, encouraging and aiding each school to become adaptive and inclusive to meet their unique needs.

“There is so much brilliant, affordable tech available for schools. Items such as interactive whiteboards and VR headsets can help make learning more fun and engaging, and we make it our mission to help schools to understand the importance of effective and innovative technology.”