SEP 2009 – JUN 2019 – Network Manager

I was fortunate enough to be approached by an ambitious headteacher of a large local primary school, who wanted someone that could replace the existing network infrastructure and introduce brand-new technologies with the plan to implement a vision of I.T. that would enable more access and encourage not only the pupils but the staff and local community to get more firsthand access to computers, as well as to introduce new online services for pupils to engage with learning off-site.

During my time at the school, I planned and overhauled the school’s existing IT infrastructure with the setup and maintenance of 4 Microsoft Hyper-V host servers, running 22 virtual machines in a clustered, load-balanced environment for 200+ end-user devices and 400+ associated users and their data. Providing a resilience to enable continuous business availability through dual SAN Server sites and split services.

September 2009 to June 2019

Role

• Manage the school’s IT services to ensure that availability, capacity, and performance, both on and off-site were sufficient to support the teaching, learning, management, and administrative objectives of the school.
• Manage the IT budget, ensuring best value for all purchases and place appropriate and approved orders.
• Develop IT systems to meet the changing needs of the school with emerging technologies.
• Maintain a print management system, producing appropriate usage reports and maintaining user accounts for both staff and students.
• Manage the supply, installation, maintenance, and repair of the school’s IT hardware.
• Maintain an audit of software, hardware, and licensees.
• To provide technical support and advice to all staff and students.
• Develop, manage, and implement the school’s policies on internet access, IT resource management, anti-virus and data protection procedures, backup, data storage procedures, and asset disposal.
• Manage the maintenance and upgrades of the school’s Information Management System (Capita SIMS).
• Set up user accounts and retrieving lost information such as files, passwords, and usernames.
• Provide support to end-user, solving network or application problems.
• Monitor backups and constantly update Disaster Recovery Plans.
• Always maintain network security, implement extra security measures when required.
• Perform DfES governmental statutory data returns, data uploads and assessment results.
• Provide detailed and analysed reports on pupil assessments.

Endorsements & Feedback

During my time as Headteacher at “Nine Acres Community Primary School”, I appointed Dave to the new and exciting role entitled ‘Leader of New Technology.’ The role encompassed developing ICT as both a highly effective learning tool as well as that for more effective leadership and management of the school. It was a unique and great appointment.

Unlike most schools at the time who were appointing someone who had an interest in IT, I appointed a high-level person who had spent many years designing, building, and implementing infrastructures in schools across the authority.

His impact was profound and immediate. Through his in-depth knowledge along with his vision and endless passion, we were able to build a great system and purchase advanced next-generation resources that benefited everyone who worked there, every single learner and the parent community.

He certainly made the difference I wanted. I regret not seeing the whole vision put into place and I wish I could have him here with me now. If any schools want the best ICT provision, then Dave is the man you need on your staff.
Steve Bartlett
Previous Head Teacher at Nine Acres Community Primary School, Isle of Wight
Previous Vice Principal at Capital School Kingdom of Bahrain

Dave is not only extremely knowledgeable in his field but also meticulously organised in his approach to new projects and willing to persevere in difficult conditions to achieve his goals on time.

He is a pleasure to work with, not only would it be amazing to have his expertise in my current office, but his sense of humour is second to none!”
Claire Havard
Administrator at Glastonbury Abbey