21/05/2021 - Data returns - School census

Resource updated:

HfL created SIMS census reports

• school-census-sen-needs-and-provisons-may2021.rptdef

17/05/2021 - Curriculum - Timetable (Nova T-6)

Resource updated:

• DMS016 - Starting the timetable process in Nova-T6 for September 2021

17/05/2021 - Administration - Student record management

Resources updated:

SIMS End of Year Processes

• dms194-secondary-academic-eoy-2020-21.pdf
• dms198-secondary-pastoral-eoy-2020-2021.pdf

13/05/2021 - Administration - Ofsted inspection

Resource added:

• DMS044 Ofsted preparation - May 2021

13/05/2021 - Technical - Installations and maintenance

Update:

SIMS Online Services Schema Patch

12/05/2021 - We have authorised the latest SIMS Online Services Schema Patch* (sometimes referred to as Data Transfer Patch) via SOLUS3. Patch No. 26458 updates the stored procedures and schema for the Online Services. If your school manages their own schedules then it will need it will be up to you to schedule it to run, if not it will automatically deploy in line with your schedule.

Patch no. 26458 also addresses the following issue:

• Group exports from SIMS. net failing due to housekeeping routine not running successfully

*Only applicable to schools who use any of the following SIMS Online services – SIMS Options Online; SIMS Parent App; SIMS Parent Lite App; SIMS Activities.

12/05/2021 - Arbor support

Resource added:

New School Year setup

• dms215-new-school-year-setup-in-arbor-pri-may2021.pdf

12/05/2021 - Administration - Student record management

Resource added:

SIMS End of Year Processes

• dms001-eoy-pri-nur-spec-june2021.pdf

11/05/2021 - Arbor Support - Parent Portal

Resource added:

Parental portal

• dms256-getting-started-with-the-parent-portal-and-arbor-app.pdf

07/05/2021 - Examinations - Exams results

Resource added:

DMS250 – SIMS Exams Manage PI

• dms250-sims-exams-manage-performance-indicators-2021.pdf

06/05/2021 - Data returns - School census

Resources added:

DfE fileset and known issues

• 1802-statutoryreturns-spring2021-fileset.mfs.signature
• 1802-statutoryreturns-spring2021-fileset.mfs

05/05/2021 - Administration - Pupil premium

Resource updated:

• DMS SIMS pupil premium checking service - May 2021

05/05/2021 - Assessment - Assessment all phases

Resource added:

DMS249 new academic year in AM7 2021/22

• dms249_new_academic_year_in_sims_am7_2021.pdf

05/05/2021 - Technical - Installations and maintenance

Resource added:

SIMS Technical roadmap and hardware specification

• sims-technical-roadmap-may2021.pdf

27/04/2021 - Arbor support

Resource updated:

Behaviour

• hcc-electronic-exclusion-sender.report_apr_21

23/04/2021 - Arbor support

Resource added:

Data collections

• dms254-summer-census-2021.pdf

23/04/2021 - Technical - Installations and maintenance

Resource added:

SIMS Technical roadmap and hardware specification

• sims-technical-roadmap-march2020.pdf

20/04/2021 – CTF update: Due to a Local Government re-organisation of Northamptonshire, LA numbers for schools in this Local Authority are changing. This will only effect you if you send or receive a CTF from a school from within Northamptonshire.  The description for LA number 928 has changed from 'Northamptonshire' to 'Northamptonshire (pre LGR)' and LA numbers 940 and 941 are added with description of 'North Northamptonshire' and 'West Northamptonshire ' respectively.

To make these changes in SIMS, you will firstly need to run patch 26416. This patch adds the new LA numbers into SIMS. Then, an additional patch, 26428 will shortly be made available which will update any of your saved Northamptonshire schools to the correct LA code. Alternatively, you can amend these manually via Tools > Schools > Other Schools.

This will not affect Arbor Schools as the new LA’s are automatically added.

You can find out a school’s Local Authority and their LA Number by visiting the ‘get information about schools’ website.

If you require these patches to be able to send or receive CTF’s from a Northamptonshire school or have any further questions regarding this, then please contact the ICT Service Desk as normal.

15/04/2021 - Arbor support

Resource added:

Parental portal

• dms253-parent-portal-faqs.pdf

06/04/2021 - Assessment - Assessment all phases

Resource updated:

SIMS Assessment – secondary phase

Key stage 4

• dms244-ks2-convert-scaled-scores-to-fine-levels.pdf

06/04/2021 - Administration - Attendance and lesson monitor

Resource updated:

DMS created SIMS reports

HCC part time timetable notification report

• hcc-pupil-on-part-timetable-form-apr2021.rptdef

26/03/2021 - Arbor support 

Resource added:

Parental portal

• setting-payment-accounts-to-no.pdf

22/03/2021 - Technical - Latest upgrades

SIMS 2021 Spring 7.198 Upgrade Information

(last updated 22/03/2020)

We are pleased to let you know that the SIMS 2021 Spring upgrade is now available for secondary schools. This upgrade will be required to enable schools to complete the Summer school census on 20th May 2021 so must be applied before then. Primary schools will have their upgrade released to them after the Easter holidays.

This release includes the attendance subcodes that consolidated workstation Patch 3 provided as per our communication to schools on 5th March 2021. Full details can be found on the attendance page.

Please see the release notes for the full list of changes in this release. These can be found from within the Documentation Centre, located on the SIMS Homepage

Important note regarding remote working - If SIMS is installed on any school laptops that are used away from school, using VPN access, they must to brought into school to receive the upgrade; they will not receive the upgrade when logging into SIMS if outside of the school.  Please also be aware that laptops, if being connected to the school network via cable, should have this connected before starting the machine and left connected until SIMS has completed the upgrade, which you can confirm by logging into the application.

18/03/2021 - Arbor support

Resource added:

Data returns

• hcc-class-organisation-return-mar-2021-report

15/03/2021 - Training and events - User group meetings

Resources added:

Spring virtual user group

Arbor

The slide presentation from our Arbor virtual user group

• arbor-virtual-user-group-slides-spring-2021.pdf

The videos presented during our Arbor virtual user group

How to create a pivot table when running the HfL class organisation return in Arbor

How to amend meal prices in Arbor

SIMS

The slide presentation from our SIMS virtual user group:

• sims-virtual-user-group-slides-spring-2021.pdf

If you missed out on the live virtual user groups this time around, you can view a recording of the events.

Please find below the links to the video recordings of the virtual user group sessions for Spring 2021. We are advised that going forward these recordings will only be available to delegates who register and attend the meetings. Thank you to all those who attended our very well received meetings and we look forward to ‘seeing’ you on Wednesday 9th June at our next SIMS and Arbor Virtual User Groups.

Arbor virtual user group recording

SIMS virtual user group recording

Summer virtual user group

Our next virtual user group sessions for both Arbor and SIMS take place on Wednesday 9th June.

Visit our CPD Hub to book your place.

08/03/2021 - Administration - Attendance and lesson monitor

Resources added:

March 2021 update

ESS (Capita), in consultation with the DfE, have made a range of subcodes available in Attendance and Lesson Monitor for session marks I (Illness) and X (Non-compulsory school age or COVID-19 related). This will enable schools to record additional information regarding a pupil/student’s absence from school in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will be releasing consolidated workstation patch 3 to all schools which will make these subcodes available to schools. It is optional and entirely up to schools to decide if they wish to make use of these codes. Below you will find instructions on how to use these subcodes (dms243) and a DfE document called ‘Recording non-attendance related to coronavirus’ which explains what the codes all mean. There is also a Capita created report to assist with analysis of the subcodes.

• dms243-attendance-subcode-instructions-mar2021.pdf
• covid-19-daily-attendance-analysis-v3.rptdef
• recording-non-attendance-related-to-coronavirus.pdf

04/03/2021 - Arbor support

Resources added:

HCC reports

• hcc-removal-from-roll-form-mar-2021-template.docx
• hcc-removal-from-roll-form-mar-2021.report

01/03/2021 - Arbor support

Resource added:

Examinations

• dms242-arbor-btec-results-via-edi-2021.pdf

26/02/2021 – SIMS Pay planned maintenance

Capita ESS have advised this morning that the SIMS Pay UK site will be unavailable this afternoon (26/02/2021), from 14:00 to 17:00, for planned maintenance.  They apologise for the short notice and any inconvenience caused, thanking you for your patience whilst this work is carried out.  We have this morning emailed the admin accounts of all SIMS schools we support to advise of this unavailability.

26/02/2021 - Arbor support

Resources added:

Custom Report Writer

Data Management Services have created useful report resources for schools to import into their Arbor MIS. As well as reports to run directly from custom report writer, Data Management Services have produced HCC template reports.  

Document DMS239 – running HCC template reports in Arbor provides guidance on how to run the reports.

• dms239-running-hcc-template-reports-in-arbor-feb2021.pdf

HCC Reports

Please ensure you download the template and report files and use DMS239 – running HCC template reports for guidance.

• hcc-caf-delivery-plan-and-review-feb2021-template.doc
• hcc-caf-delivery-plan-and-review-feb2021.report
• hcc-caf-form-template-feb2021-template.doc
• hcc-caf-form-template-feb2021.report
• hcc-child-protection-referral-form-feb2021-template.docx
• hcc-child-protection-referral-form-feb2021.report
• hcc-families-first-registration-form-feb2021-template.doc
• hcc-families-first-registration-form-feb2021.report
• hcc-isl-baseline-assessment-information-feb2021-template.doc
• hcc-isl-baseline-assessment-information-feb2021.report
• hcc-local-high-needs-funding-feb2021-template.docx
• hcc-local-high-needs-funding-feb2021.report
• hcc-safe-space-referral-feb2021-template.doc
• hcc-safe-space-referral-feb-2021.report
• hcc-safeguarding-record-front-sheet-feb2021-template.docx
• hcc-safeguarding-record-front-sheet-feb2021.report
• hcc-service-request-feb2021-template.doc
• hcc-service-request-feb2021.report

HCC SEN reports

Please ensure you download the template and report files and use DMS239 – running HCC template reports for guidance.

• hcc-ehc-annual-review-feb2021-template.doc
• hcc-ehc-annual-review-feb2021.report
• hcc-ehc-need-assessment-feb2021-template.docx
• hcc-ehc-need-assessment-feb2021.report
• hcc-exceptional-needs-funding-feb2021-template.docx
• hcc-exceptional-needs-funding-feb2021.report

OV Form reports

Please ensure you download the template and report files and use DMS239 – running HCC template reports for guidance

• ov7a-consent-feb2021-template.docx
• ov7a-consent.report
• ov7c-annual-consent-feb2021-template.docx
• ov7c-annual-consent.report
• ov10-offsite-missing-persons-form-feb2021-template.doc
• ov10-offsite-missing-persons-form.report
• ov-contact-information-feb2021-template.doc
• ov-contact-information.report

25/02/2021 - Technical - Installation and maintenance 

Text added:

SIMS Online Services Schema Patch

22/01/2021 - We have authorised the latest SIMS Online Services Schema Patch* (sometimes referred to as Data Transfer Patch) via SOLUS3. Patch No. 26262 updates the stored procedures and schema for the Online Services. If your school manages their own schedules then it will need it will be up to you to schedule it to run, if not it will automatically deploy in line with your schedule.

Patch no. 26262 addresses the following issue:

Adds 'Subject' to the conduct lesson information within Parent App

*Only applicable to schools who use any of the following SIMS Online services – SIMS Options Online; SIMS Parent App; SIMS Parent Lite App; SIMS Activities’

23/02/2021 - Data returns - School census

Resource added:

Post 16 census

16-19 Allocation calculation toolkit 2020-21

• dms240-16-19-allocation-calculation-toolkit-2020-21.pdf

16/02/2021 - Arbor support

Resources added:

Behaviour 

• hcc-exclusion-letter-1-report-jan2020.report
• hcc-exclusion-letter-4-report-jan2020.report
• hcc-exclusion-letter-5-report-jan2020.report
• hcc-exclusion-letter-6-report-jan2020.report
• hcc-exclusion-letter-7-report-jan2020.report
• hcc-exclusion-letter-8-report-jan2020.report
• hcc-exclusion-letter-9-report-jan2020.report

15/02/2021 - Administration - Attendance and lesson monitor

Resource updated:

• hcc-pupil-on-part-time-timetable-form-feb2021.rptdef

12/02/2021 - Administration - SIMS Reporting

Resource updated:

Guidance documents

• dms136-creating-a-report-with-a-user-defined-group-feb2020.pdf

05/02/2021 - Data returns - End of keystage

Page updated:

2021 Primary end of key stage returns cancelled by the DfE due to the coronavirus (COVID-19)

The statutory assessments due take place this summer term (2021) for the primary end of key stage have again been cancelled by the DfE due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

This includes the following:

• EYFS Profile assessment
• Phonics Screening Check
• KS1 Teacher Assessment
• KS2 Tests or Teacher Assessments

As such there will be no statutory data collections.

The DfE have also announced that the Multiplication Tables Checks (Year 4) are optional.

If you have any queries related to this please contact our Assessment Team on 01438 844863.

03/02/2021 - SIMS InTouch

Document updated:

• candidate-statement-of-entry-seating-date-time-and-duration-of-exam-excluded.xslt

03/02/2021 - Arbor support

Documents added:

Ofsted 

Ofsted preparations

• dms236-ofsted-preparations-in-arbor.pdf

Ofsted reports

• demographics-by-year-group-02-02-2021.report
• hfl-pupil-premium-list-02-02-2021.report

28/01/2021 - Arbor support

Resources added:

Ofsted

Ofsted reports 

• attendance-of-asp-groups-by-term.report
• hfl-group-session-attendance-report.report
• covid-19-related-absences.report
• staff-contracts.report

Parental portal

• dms238-parent-portal-and-parental-engagement-in-arbor-jan2021.pdf

Special School Placement Spreadsheet (SSPS)

• ssps-report.report
• dms235-ssps-in-arbor-jan2021.pdf

28/01/2021 - Parental engagement - SIMS InTouch

Resources added:

Alternative SIMS InTouch exam timetable layouts

2 new alternative layouts are provided below as an option when sending exam timetables via SIMS InTouch.

• exam-timetable-room-and-seat-data-excluded.xslt
• candidate-statement-of-entry-seating-date-time-and-duration-of-exam-excluded.xslt

Simply download the layout(s) required and choose the ‘supply your own layout’ option in the Send a Student Exam Timetable message window. Browse to the location of the saved layout to select. You can preview the layout prior to proceeding.

Resource updated:

• What is InTouch? - Jan 2021

26/01/2021  - Parental engagement - SIMS InTouch

Resource added:

Mitigating SPAM with SIMS InTouch

Capita made changes to InTouch in December 2019, the main one being that all emails now bypass the blocked list feature so there is no longer a temporary storage area holding blocked emails.

Please refer to Capita’s document on mitigating SPAM which includes recommendations for schools and parents/guardians.

sims-intouch-email-and-mitigating-spam.pdf

25/01/2021 - Data returns - School census

Resources updated:

• 1706-statutory-returns-autumn-2020-fileset.mfs
• 1706-statutory-returns-autumn-2020-fileset.mfs.signature

15/01/2021 - Data returns - School census

Resource added:

• dms225-spring-census-all-phases-appendix.pdf

14/01/2021 - Administration - Attendance and lesson monitor

Resources available

Schools are asked to complete the Educational Settings Status form by the DfE each day. The form asks for certain information on pupil numbers which can be obtained from SIMS. Capita have provided a SIMS report designed by OSMIS that we have called ‘COVID - DfE Daily Figures’ that seeks to assist in calculating these figures.

It is a matter for schools to determine how they obtain the information requested by the form. This report is therefore optional for schools but it should assist in gathering the required information each day based on data held in SIMS.

Capita/OSMIS have also provided an additional report that we have called ‘COVID - X Code Impact’ to analyse the impact of the X codes in SIMS which you may also find useful.

Document dms237-using-sims-report-to-assist-dfe-form-jan2021 found in the ‘Documents for download’ section on the Attendance page will explain how to import the reports and what needs to be setup in SIMS to ensure your data is accurate before filling in the DfE form. The reports themselves can be found in the DMS Created SIMS reports section of the Attendance page.

• dms237-using-sims-report-to-assist-dfe-form-jan2021.pdf

DMS created SIMS reports

• covid-dfe-daily-figures.rptdef
• covid-x-code-impact.rptdef

14/01/2021 - Data returns - School census

DfE fileset and known issues update:

• 1704-statutory-returns-autumn2020_fileset.mfs
• 1704-statutory-returns-autumn2020_fileset.mfs.signature

13/01/2021 - Behaviour Management Reporting Suite (BMRS) for SIMS

New resource added:

This collection of reports will enable behaviour, achievement and detention data to be extracted and analysed in various formats.

• Behaviour Management Reporting Suite (BMRS) for SIMS

Resubmission of the Delayed Year 1 Phonics Screening Check Data 2020 is required!

Primary schools this year were required to administer a Phonics Screening for current Year 2 pupils. It has however come to our attention that due to a technical error there are missing elements in the CTF files submitted by schools to the Hertfordshire County Council’s Data Collections & Business Information Team.

Therefore all Hertfordshire schools using SIMS MUST now resubmit the Delayed Year 1 Phonics Screening Check Data for Autumn 2020. It will be necessary to generate a further CTF file and submit this to Data Collections & Business Information Team via AnyComms+ as soon as possible.

In order that the delayed return data can be resubmitted via AnyComms+ accurately, it is imperative that your school or setting has upgraded to the Autumn 2020 release of SIMS. This will display as version 7.196 when logging into SIMS and via Help > About SIMS .net in SIMS.

Please see the guidance documentation below, which will support your school in the successful resubmission of the return using SIMS.

The deadline for the resubmission is Wednesday 13th January via AnyComms+ The HCC Data Collections & Business Information Team would appreciate it if this could be resubmitted as soon as possible.

Guidance documentation for resubmission

Instructions for the resubmitting the Phonics Screening return are available:

• dms234_resubmitting_the_delayed_year_1_phonics_screening_check_data_2020.pdf

Attendance update

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on the 4th January that schools are to close to non-critical worker and vulnerable children, the DfE have issued the following guidance regarding recording attendance marks in schools:

‘As vulnerable children are still expected to attend school full time, they should not be marked as Code X if they are not in school (except if they are shielding, self-isolating or quarantining). Schools and colleges should encourage vulnerable children to attend but if the parent of a vulnerable child wishes their child to be absent from school, the parent should let the school know that the pupil will not be attending. The Department for Education expects schools and colleges to grant such applications for leave given the exceptional circumstances. This should be recorded as code C (leave of absence authorised by the school) unless another authorised absence code is more applicable.

As with vulnerable children, critical worker parents and carers should let schools know if their child will not be attending and, if not, schools should grant a leave of absence (code C) given the exceptional circumstances.

All pupils who are not expected to be in school should be marked as Code X. They are not attending because they are following public health advice.’

For DfE Guidance on this update, please see their ‘Restricting Attendance during the national lockdown: schools’ document (page 26):

Restricting Attendance during the national lockdown: schools

04/01/2021 - Data returns - School Census

Resources updated:

DfE fileset and known issues

• 1703-statutory-returns-autumn2020_fileset.mfs
• 1703-statutory-returns-autumn2020_fileset.mfs.signature

SIMS 2020 Autumn 7.196 Upgrade information

17/12/2020 - Data returns - school census

Document updated:

• dms225-spring-census-all-phases.pdf

14/12/2020 - Data returns - school census

Documents added:

• school_census_pre-check_report.rptdef
• school_census_-_sen_needs_&_provisons.rptdef
• school_census_eal_report.rptdef

30/11/2020 - Arbor support

Resource updated:

• dms184_clubs_and_trips_in_arbor_nov2020.pdf

26/11/2020 - Arbor support

Resource added:

• arbor_autumn_user_group_nov2020.pdf

26/11/2020 - Training and events - User group meetings

Resource added:

• sims_virtual_user_group_slides_autumn_2020.pdf

17/11/20220 - Special School Electronic Class Organisation Return (SECOR)

Report file updated:

It has been reported by a school that one of their classes wasn’t showing on the ‘Pink Form’ tab in the SECOR report, although all of the expected information was showing on the ‘Data’ tab.  It has been identified that the report design only allowed for a maximum of 18 registration groups, however this has now been extended to 28 groups.  Should schools have a large number of registration groups defined in SIMS, please import the updated report file to ensure all information is included in the report.

17/11/2020 - School Workforce Census

File updated:

DMS055 SWC FAQs and known issues.

11/11/2020 - Personnel - Pay related files

New content added:

How to hide the old Hay Pay Scales in a Staff Contract

The Hay Scales held within the NJ – NJC – APT&C Staff were re-banded in April 2019 and new scales were created with the prefix HCC-. It is important that these scales valid from April 2019 are used when entering a pay scale in a contract for support staff paid on the NJ Service Term and NOT the old version Hay.

During the pay import for the April 2020 values, the old Hay scale points became unhidden and so schools will need to re-hide them. The quick guide below contains instructions on how to do this.

how-to-hide-unwanted-pay-scales.pdf

09/11/2020 - Data returns - End of Key Stage

New content added:

Delayed Year 1 Phonics Screening Check Data 2020

Primary schools this year are required to administer a Phonics Screening for current Year 2 pupils. Please see the guidance documentation below, which will support your school in the successful completion of the return using SIMS.

The deadline for the return is Friday 18th December via AnyComms+

Guidance documentation

Instructions for downloading and importing the Phonics Screening wizards and submitting the return are available:

dms227_returning_the_delayed_year_1_phonics_screening_check_data_2020.pdf

Wizard file

The wizard file for the delayed Year 1 Phonics Screening Check Data 2020 is available:

year_1_phonics_screening_wizard_2020.xml

Arbor schools

Guidance for schools using Arbor will follow soon.

03/11/2020 - Arbor support - HR Admin

Resource added:

• dms228-staff-absences-and-cover-in-arbor.pdf

28/10/2020 - Administration - Student record management

Resource added:

Capita have created an information video demonstrating how to use tools and processes on how to manage bulk deletion of student to be GDPR compliant.

• Bulk deletion in SIMS to support compliance with GDPR

28/10/2020 - Administration - Conduct

Resource updated:

• exclusions-dms167-oct-2020.pdf

27/10/2020 - Assessment - Assessment all phases

Resources updated:

• cas_ks4_271020.zip

Refer to document DMS036 – SIMS KS4 Analysis Resources Catalogue for version changes. (Updated to v1.13 27/10/2020)

• dms036_sims_ks4_analysis_resources_catalogue_v1.13.pdf

27/10/2020 - Administration - Attendance and lesson monitor

Resource updated:

• hcc_removal_from_roll_form_oct2020.rptdef

Resource added:

HCC 10 day absence reporting form

The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 Section 12 of requires schools to inform the local authority of any pupils who are regularly absent from school, have irregular attendance, or have 10 or more consecutive school days absence without the school's permission.  Schools are also under a safeguarding duty, under section 175 of the Education Act 2002 to investigate any unexplained absences. This form is designed to assist schools comply with their responsibilities. There is no way to automatically generate the pupils who meet this criteria in SIMS so schools will need to manually work this out by using reports built in to the Attendance module. Once you know the required pupil(s), this report can be run from their student profile.

• hcc_10_day_absence_reporting_form_oct2020.rptdef

26/10/2020 - Examinations - Exam results

Resources updated:

• dms187-sims-btec-results-2021.pdf
• dms188-ocr-cambtech-import-results-summer-2021-v1.0.pdf

22/10/2020 - Data returns - School workforce census

Resource added:

DfE fileset for SWC 2020

This fileset 1606 is specific to the SWC 2020 return and will resolve known issue 4100Q Teacher Number required (but the member of staff is not a teacher).

Instructions on how to import the latest Fileset can be found in document DMS213 – Autumn 2020 School Census. Although the document references the School Census the process is exactly the same regardless of the data return.

• dms213-autumn-census-all-phases-v3.pdf

Fileset 1606 is now available to download and import into your SIMS database. This fileset must be imported prior to authorising your SWC census.

• 1606-statutory-returns-summer2020-fileset.mfs
• 1606-statutory-returns-summer2020-fileset.mfs.signature

19/10/2020 - Data returns - School workforce census

Resource added:

Document DMS055 SWC FAQs and Known Issues below highlights some of the frequently asked questions regarding the SWC and offers advice on how to resolve some common queries and errors. The document also contains some of the known issues within the SWC return.

• dms055_swc_faqs_and_known_issues.pdf

19/10/2020 - Administration - User management

Resource updated:

• dms065_sims_system_manager.pdf

16/10/2020 - Personnel - Pay related files

Resource updated:

• dms210_pay_import_instructions_2020_v3.pdf

15/10/2020 - Personnel - Reports

Resource updated:

Staff absence reports

• staff_absence_reports_2020.rptdef

8/10/2020 - Arbor support - Data collections

Resource added:

• dms224_swc_arbor.pdf

Resource added:

8/10/2020 - Arbor support - HR admin

Resource added:

• dms223_managing_and_updating_payscales_in_arbor.pdf

07/10/2020 - Administration - user management

Resources updated:

• intervention_planning_7194.xml
• change_lookups_7194.xml
• welfare_panel_7194.xml

07/10/2020 - Data returns - EYFS Attainment on entry/exit

Resources updated:

• dms140_eyfs_attainment_on_entry_oct2020.pdf
• hcc_eyfs_entry_data_collection_oct2020.rptdef

Resources added:

Arbor schools

Arbor schools should follow this document and submit the spreadsheet below.

• dms221_arbor_eyfs_attainment_on_entry_oct2020.pdf
• hcc_attainment_on_entry_template_autumn_oct2020.xlsx

01/10/2020 - Arbor support

Video added: 

Recording of Arbor & DMS event held on 29th September 2020.

29/09/2020 - Data returns - School census

Resource updated:

• w168_sims_post-16_faqs_v2.0.pdf

Fileset 1605 is now available to download and import into your SIMS database. This fileset must be imported prior to authorising your Autumn census.

1605_statutory_returns-summer2020_fileset.mfs

1605_statutory_returns-summer2020_fileset.mfs.signature

Known issues

Updated 29/09/2020 Validation error 1638 (schools with 6th forms only)

Capita have informed us that they understand that the DfE will soon be letting schools know that they can ignore validation error 1638 (where learner has achieved grade A*-C / 9-4 in English the Prior Attainment stage must be equal to 1 or 2) as its coding is not valid for this year's census. Fileset 1605 resolves.

Updated 29/09/2020 Problem with DfE validation rule 1601Q

The DfE has an acknowledged that there is a problem with their coding of validation rule 1601Q in that it is using the reference date 31/08/2019 for identify children under the age of two. This is incorrect – they should be using the reference date 31/08/2020. Fileset 1605 resolves.

29/09/2020 - Examinations - Information

Resource updated:

• DMS084 - Guidance on obtaining ULNs - September 2020 

29/09/2020 - Arbor support

Resource added (Assessment tab):

DMS218 Easy Tracking Assessment in Arbor

• dms218_using_herts_for_learning_arbor_easy_tracking_assessment_templates_analysis_sept2020.pdf

28/09/2020 - DfE fileset 1604 now available

This updated fileset is required for the upcoming Autumn School Census (1st October) and School Workforce Census (5th November).

25/09/2020 – Attendance guidance

We are advising schools to no longer use the 7, 8 and 9 codes in attendance that were introduced in the summer term to help fill in the daily SAGE form. We also advise schools to remove these codes if used from 1st September 2020. Capita have produced a patch to remove the codes completely but we are waiting to see any potential implications that running this patch will have on the spring school census as it would cause all historic 7, 8 and 9 codes to be removed from attendance completely. Secondary schools who may have these codes mapped in Lesson Monitor can still use them for lesson attendance.

DfE Guidance advises schools to use the X code for Covid-19 related shielding, self-isolating and quarantining absences. If a positive test is returned then an I code should be used up until the pupils’ return to school. The X code has not been built into the Pupil/Group Analysis by Code reports so schools will have to use the Chosen Code report (Reports > Attendance > Selected Pupil Reports > Pupils with Chosen Code) which brings out the number of sessions where X has been used. The Fire Drill report will also need to be amended if you want this code to show.

Read the full government guidance on COVID-19 related attendance

24/09/2020 Data returns - School workforce census

Resource added:

Guidance on submitting a SWC return is available in the document DMS217 which is available below. The document also contains instructions on how to download and import the 1603 fileset or above if required.

• dms217-school-workforce-census-2020-prepare-create-and-send.pdf

24/09/2020 Behaviour and achievement reports

Resources updated:

Primary reports and catalogue

• DMS163 primary behaviour and achievement catalogue - September 2020
• Primary behaviour reports - September 2020

Secondary reports and catalogue

• DMS164 secondary behaviour and achievement catalogue - September 2020
• Secondary behaviour reports - September 2020

21/09/2020 Administration - Pupil premium

Resource updated:

• DMS060 pupil premium In SIMS - maintaining and updating - September 2020

Resources added:

Pupil premium financial workbook

• Pupil premium FYR 2020-21 calculation - September 2020
• DMS 219 pupil premium financial workbook - September 2020

16/09/2020 School census - DfE fileset & known issues

Update:

Problem with DfE validation rule 1601Q

The DfE has an acknowledged that there is a problem with their coding of validation rule 1601Q in that it is using the reference date 31/08/2019 for identify children under the age of two. This is incorrect – they should be using the reference date 31/08/2020. 

We understand that the DfE is not planning to provide a new version of its validation file to deal with this problem, but will be referring to this mistake on their part when reporting their known issues.

16/09/2020 Data returns - School workforce census

New resources added:

Fileset 1603 is available to download and import into your SIMS database. This fileset must be imported prior to generating your School Workforce Census Return.

• 1603-statutoryreturns-summer2020_fileset.mfs
• 1603-statutoryreturns-summer2020_fileset.mfs.signature

Instructions on how to download and import the 1603 fileset will be available in document DMS217_school_workforce_census_2020_prepare_create_and_send which will be available on this page soon.

16/09/2020 Administration - Pupil premium

Resource updated:

• DMS SIMS pupil premium checking service - September 2020

15/09/2020 Data returns - School census

New resource added:

• dms-197-post16-autumn-2020.pdf

Documents updated:

• dms066-school-census-faqs.pdf
• school-census-autumn-2020-validation-and-resolutions.pdf

09/09/2020 Personnel - Pay related files

New resource added:

• dms211_maintaining _salary_scales_in_sims_personnel2020.docx.pdf

New academic year attendance guidance

From the beginning of the new academic year, schools should return to using the attendance and absence codes in use before the outbreak, in addition to the new category of ‘not attending in circumstances related to coronavirus (COVID-19):

pupils not attending a session who meet the criteria for ‘not attending in circumstances related to coronavirus (COVID-19)’ should be recorded using code X

schools should continue to use code X for non-compulsory school aged pupils who are not expected to attend a session, as they did before the outbreak

Full information can be found on the government website.

27/08/2020 Personnel - Pay related files

Pay files for 2020/21 for staff paid on the NJC pay scales are now available on the DMS Portal.

21/08/2020 Data returns - School census

New resource added:

• dms213_autumn_census_all_phases.pdf

30/07/20 DMS - Arbor support

Resource updated:

• dms178_attendance_in_arbor_pdf_jul_20.pdf

15/07/20 Data returns - CTF and electronic transfers

Resource updated:

• dms153_common_transfer_file.pdf

09/07/20 Administration - SIMS reporting

Resource updated:

• hfl_-_class_and_year_lists_july2020.rptdef

07/07/2020 Administration - Dinner money

Resource updated:

• dms003_sims_dinner_money_end_of_year_apr2020.pdf

06/07/2020 Administration - Student record management

Resource updated:

• dms001_eoy_pri_nur_spec_june2020.pdf

06/07/2020 Examinations - Exam results

Resource added:

DMS186 – SIMS Exams Results Day Survival Guide

Provides Examinations Officers with the most up-to-date information in order to achieving successful results download days and the subsequent analysis of results.

• dms186_sims_exam_results_survival_guide_2020.pdf

02/07/2020 Data returns - School workforce census

Resource added:

Guidance document on checking personnel data in your SIMS database in readiness for the School Workforce Census on Thursday 5th November.

• dms207_personnel_health_check_ for_swc.pdf

New update: dinner money guidance

June 2020: Herts Catering Ltd have confirmed that their charging price to schools from September 2020, for Junior meals will be £2.60. This is not a recommendation as to the prices that schools should charge their pupils, that is entirely up to each school, on an individual basis. This is their only increase since their last letter sent out in February 2020.  Schools who do not use Herts Catering may want to check with their own provider. Updating Meal Prices is part of the Dinner Money – End of Year Procedures: document dms003.

New update: dinner money guidance

If you are recording dinners in SIMS but not charging parents (Year 6 and Key worker pupils), you will need to ensure that pupil meal prices are set to 0.00. Guidance on updating meal prices can be found in document DMS123. You will need to use current dates and prices rather than the examples shown in the documentation. Some schools will decide not to remove the charge based on guidance received from their catering company.

If meal patterns are automatically pulling through into Dinner Money when the Attendance marks are entered, this can be disabled in Tools > Dinner Money > Setups, by removing the tick in the Attendance Link box in General Settings.

If you start to charge parents again you will need to remember to go in and change the meal prices back.

New update: attendance guidance

The DfE have provided the following guidance with regards to recording attendance in the second half of the summer term: attendance guidance.

The DfE has confirmed its position regarding attendance data for the summer term:

As part of an ongoing review of the impact of COVID-19 on the data to be collected in the autumn school census, it has been confirmed that the department will not collect and use summer term attendance data.

New update: creating specific pupil/student groups in SIMS

This guidance for creating user defined groups has been produced to help you to create groups of specific pupils/students. These groups are available to you in SIMS Attendance/Lesson Monitor enabling you to mark the attendance register quickly and easily.  

• creating_user_defined_group's_covid-19_june20.pdf

26/06/2020 Assessment - All phases

Resources added:

The new ‘Scaled Score to Fine Level Conversion resource’ will convert KS2 Scaled scores to KS2 Fine levels for use with the CAS KS4 Analysis Resources (below). Please refer to document DMS214 for more information.

• scaled_score_to_fine_level_conversion_2016-2019_v3
• dms214_ks2_convert_scaled_scores_to _fine_levels

26/06/2020 SEN - SEN forms and reports

Resource updated:

• hcc_ehc_assessment_request_nov_2018.rptdef replaced by hcc_-_ehc_assessment_request_feb2020.rptdef

22/06/2020 Technical - Latest upgrades

Resource added:

SIMS Documentation Centre

Capita have announced some changes to the range of Documentation Centres from 1st July 2020. The new SIMS Documentation Centre will automatically update with the next SIMS upgrade. However from 1st July 2020, you will no longer be able to access the resources available from the existing Documentation Centres from the SIMS Homepage. Instead, please bookmark this link in your web browser and use it to access Capita’s range of user documentation until you have upgraded to SIMS summer 2020. You will be aware from previous communications that HfL took the decision not to authorise the most recently available SIMS upgrade to schools due to the implications for remote working staff, who would potentially no longer be able to access SIMS following the upgrade during lockdown, unless in school at the time.  Further information regarding the next available SIMS upgrade will follow when available.

17/06/2020 Administration - Attendance and lesson monitor

Resource updated:

• covid-19_daily_attendance_analysis_v2.rptDef
• covid-19_daily_attendance_report_v3.rptdef

11/06/2020 Administration - Attendance and lesson monitor

Resources added:

SIMS Attendance Covid-19 reports

The Covid-19 – Daily Attendance Report v2 provides an Excel workbook with two worksheets. The first worksheet lists pupils with codes 7 (Illness due to COVID-19), I (illness), 9 (Shielding due to COVID-19) and 8 (self-isolating due to COVID-19) on the selected day. The second worksheet calculates the totals for each of the codes ready for use with the daily DfE SAGE form. The worksheet makes use of a macro that is only available for recent versions of Excel.  Note: Attendance Codes 7, 8 and 9 for Covid-19 recording are enabled by patch no. 25870.

• covid-19_daily_attendance_report_v2.rptdef

The COVID-19 – Daily Attendance Analysis report The analysis definition file is very similar to the report definition described above.  The main differences are that this definition does not make use of a macro, that is not compatible with early versions of Excel, but requires suitable parameters to be set when running the analysis. Capita recommend the following for SIMS Analysis:

• Set Row to 'Mark_description'
• Set Colum to 'AMPM'
• covid-19_daily_attendance_analysis.rptdef

Capita video

• education_setting_status_2_demonstration.mp4

10/06/2020 Personnel - Useful tips and hints for SIMS Personnel

Resource added:

How to edit the illness category and reason for absence to show Covid-19 impact

• illness_category_and_reason_for_absence.pdf

03/06/2020 Examinations - exams results

Resource updated:

• dms189_sims_exams_manage_performance_indicators_(2020)_v1.2.pdf

14/05/2020 Examinations - Exam results

Resource replaced:

dms022_sims_exams_manage_performance_indicators_(2019)_v1.3_april2019.pdf with dms189_sims_exams_manage_performance_indicators_(2020).pdf

07/05/2020 Data returns - Primary End of Key Stage

Primary End of Key Stage returns

The statutory assessments due take place this summer term for the primary end of key stage have been cancelled by the DfE due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

This includes the following:

EYFS Profile assessment

Phonics Screening Checks (Year 1 or Year 2)

KS1 Teacher Assessment

Multiplication Tables Checks (Year 4)

KS2 Tests or Teacher Assessments

As such there will be no statutory data collections, either by the DfE or by Hertfordshire County Council or Herts for Learning for 2020 and Data Management Services will not be providing documentation and Capita Key Stage Wizards.

If you have any queries related to this please contact our Assessment Team on 01438 845863.

01/05/2020 Administration - Student record management

Resources updated:

• dms195_applicants_and_admission_groups_in_sims_apr2020.pdf
• dms004_importing_atf_files_into_sims_apr2020.pdf

01/05/2020 Administration - SIMS dinner money

Resources added:

End of year procedures 2020 – Dinner money

Please find below documentation for the SIMS Dinner Money End of Year procedures 2020. It is vital that these procedures are carried out before the start of the new academic year, 01/09/2020. You must have created your new academic year 2020/2021 in SIMS as explained in document DMS001, before working through this document. Schools that do not complete this document before entering meals in the autumn term will need help from Data Management Services – Please note that this may take some time and may be chargeable.

• dms003_sims_dinner_money_end_of_year_apr2020.pdf

01/05/2020 Curriculum - Timetable

Resources added:

• dms074_changing_the_timetable_cycle.pdf
• dms075_novat6_timetable_cycle.pdf

Resources updated:

• dms011_managing_classroom_staff_in_sims.pdf
• dms012_continuing_the_timetable_process_in_novat6.pdf
• dms013_colours_in_novat6.pdf
• dms014_making_basic_changes_in_novat6.pdf
• dms016_starting_the_timetable_process_in_novat6_for_september_2020.pdf
• dms068_critical_notes_for_timetablers.pdf
• dms069_designing_the_curriculum_model.pdf
• dms070_novat6_functionality.pdf
• dms071_novat6_housekeeping.pdf
• dms072_novat6_rooms.pdf
• dms073_novat6_subjects.pdf
• dms104_swc_advice_for_timetablers.pdf

April 2020

30/04/2020 Administration - Student record management

Resources added:

SIMS End of year processes

The following documents describe the steps that should be followed to enable a successful transition from one academic year to another. They include the creation of a new academic year (see DMS010 for Secondary), setting up next year’s registration groups and year groups, etc. together with the promotion of pupils from one year into the next.

These documents can be started at any time during the summer term, and MUST be completed BEFORE the end of term.

Primary, Special and Nursery

DMS001 - End of Year Procedures - Primary, Special and Nursery

If you are new to the End of Year processes there is a SIMS End of Year Processes pre-recorded training video available to purchase on the CPD Hub.

If you use the Dinner Money module you will need to complete a separate document once the new Academic Year has been created. This can be found here.

• dms001_eoy_pri_nur_spec_june2020.pdf

Secondary & Middle School

• dms198_secondary_pastoral_eoy_2019-20.pdf
• dms194_secondary_academic_eoy_2019_20.pdf

SIMS Start of year processes - primary schools only

DMS002 – Start of Year Procedures 2020/2021

We recommend carrying out the processes in this document once the new academic year has started.  Try and complete this document on the first day of term if possible, as you will need your new pupils on for Dinner Money (if you use it). We would recommend that you do not Admit Applicants until they have actually started at the school.

The tasks contained from page 16 do not have to be run as part of the Start of Year procedures, but this is a convenient time of year to carry them out.

• dms002_soy_pri_nur_spec_june2020.pdf

30/04/2020 Data returns - School census

Resources added:

Capita created reports

Every year Capita create a report for Primary and Secondary schools to report on the FSM Ever6 information contained in the January school census.  Please find this year’s reports below: 

• fsm_ever6_eng_sec_2020_(approximate).RptDef 
• fsm_ever6_eng_prim_2020_(approximate).RptDef 

30/04/2020 Examinations - Exam results

Resources added:

Centre Assessment Grades for exams in 2020

Capita conducted a webinar to demonstrate one possible method which schools could utilise in order to collect Centre Assessed Grades for the summer 2020 examination season using SIMS.

Please refer to document W169 below for more information including the link to the recorded webinar plus other options available to schools for consideration.

• w169_sims_exams_centre_assessment_grades_summer_2020.pdf
• Slides – capita_presentation_exam_results_webinar.pdf
• Q & A -  q_&_a_sims_exams_webinar.pdf
• Reports – hfl_centre_assessment_grades.rptdf

29/04/2020 SIMS Attendance guidance

The DfE have advised schools to enter an Exceptional Circumstance (# code) in Attendance for all absences throughout the Coronavirus pandemic from 23rd March onwards. This will not count as an absence on the pupil’s attendance record. Other absence codes can be entered before this date. Guidance on entering an Exceptional Circumstances can be found below:

• dms144_exceptional_circumstances_in_attendance_jun2019.pdf

29/04/2020 Examinations - Exam results

Resource added:

• dms185_sims_pre_exam_results_mini_kit_2020_v1.0.pdf

Resources removed:

• dms054_exam_results_mini_kit_pre_results_day_tasks_2019_v1.0_april2019.pdf
• dms031_exam_results_survival_guide_2018_july2018.pdf

06/04/2020 Curriculum - Student options in SIMS

Resources updated:

• dms105_guide_to_setting_up_sims_options_for_2019_20.pdf with dms204_guide_to_setting_up_sims_options_for_the_next_academic_year.pdf
• dms106_guide_to_setting_up_sims_options_offer_for_september_2019.pdf with dms205_guide_to_setting_up_sims_options_offer_for_the_next_academic_year.pdf
• dms107_options_a_quick_guide_february2019.pdf with dms206_options_quick_guide.pdf

06/04/2020 Arbor support

Resource added:

DMS have created a document on how to record and submit exclusion information to HCC 

• dms_209_recording_exclusions_in_arbor.pdf

06/04/2020 Personnel - Useful tips and hints for SIMS Personnel

Resource replaced:

• dms132_personnel_faqs_may_2019.pdf with dms132_personnel_faqs_april_2020.pdf

06/04/2020 Data returns - School workforce census

Resource added:

The 2020 School Workforce Census is due on Thursday 5th November 2020.

The latest SWC reports ready for import into SIMS can be found below. These reports can be used to check the data prior to running the SWC return in November as the reports will highlight any issues that then can be resolved before the return.

• swc_reports­_2020.rptdef

06/04/2020 Assessment - Assessment all phases

Resource replaced:

• dms023_new_academic_year_in_am7_2019_20.pdf with dms190_new_academic_year_in_am7_2020_21.pdf

02/04/2020 Examinations - Basedata

Resource added:

• dms191_sims_exams_creating_a_domestic_season.pdf

01/04/2020 SEN - SEN forms and reports

Additional links added:

Child Protection, Families First and Service request reports are available here:
SIMS-reporting

Please follow links for information on sending confidential documents via Schools FX or HertsFX

Schoolsfx  

www.thegrid.org.uk/eservices/schoolsfx.shtml

HertsFX

www.thegrid.org.uk/info/welfare/child_protection/policy/documents/hert_sfx_guidance.pdf

01/04/2020 SEN - SEN general information and guidance

Resources replaced:

• dms138_status_codes_and_need_types_may2019.pdf with dms138_status_codes_and_need_types_march2020.pdf

Resources added:

• dms202_checking_and_correcting_sen_need_types_march2020.pdf 

01/04/2020 SEN - SEN forms and reports

Resources replaced:

• sitss_sen_review_letter_tearoff_slip.rptdef with hfl_-_sen_review_letter+tearoff_slip_mar2020.rptdef

• sen _pupils_with_photo_and_sen_status.rptdef with hfl_-_sen_pupils_with_photo_&_sen_status_march2020.RptDef

Resources removed:

• sitss_n_indicates_pupil_previously_sen.rptdef      

27/03/2020 - Administration - Conduct

Resource updated:

• dms_167_recording_exclusions_in_sims.pdf

24/03/2020

Attendance recording for Key Worker children

The DfE have provided the following guidance and spreadsheet for Attendance recording of Key Worker children.

24/03/2020 - Arbor support

Guidance added:

School meals and payments

The DfE require schools to use a # planned absence code for the whole school. Therefore schools will be unable to record meals in their MIS. The guidance provided offers a suggested way of recording school meals taken. The excel spreadsheet is an example of how you may choose to record meals taken in school during the school closure period.

• planned_school_closure_template_recording_meals.xlsx
• planned_school_closure_recording_meals.pdf

24/03/2020 - Administration - SIMS dinner money

Guidance added:

Documentation and guidance

The DfE require schools to use a # planned absence code for the whole school. Therefore schools will be unable to record meals in their MIS. The guidance provided offers a suggested way of recording school meals taken. The excel spreadsheet is an example of how you may choose to record meals taken in school during the school closure period.

• planned_school_closure_template_recording_meals.xlsx
• planned_school_closure_recording_meals.pdf

23/03/2020 - Training and events - User group meetings

Resource added:

• spring_user_group_webinar_2020.pdf

17/03/2020 - Administration - Attendance and lesson monitor

Resource added:

• hfl_fire_drill_including_y.RptDef

16/03/2020

If you have been advised by HCC or your attendance officer to record an absence as an exceptional circumstance, or Y code, please see guidance here:

• dms144_exceptional_circumstances_in_attendance_jun2019.pdf

13/03/2020 - Administration - SIMS reporting

Resource added:

Email List report

This report will produce a list of pupils showing contact’s home and work email address. The report will list Priority 1 contacts.  If Priority 1 and 2 contacts are required please follow the instructions showing at the filtering options when running the report.

• hfl_-_email_list.rptdef

12/03/2020 - Assessment - All phases

Resources updated:

• dms092_sims_assessment_manager_cas_post_16_va_ready_reckoner v1.2.pdf
• cas_post16_va_ready_reckoner v4.3.zip

10/03/2020 - Technical - Installations and technical

Text added:

SIMS Online Services Schema Patch

04/03/2020 - We have authorised the latest SIMS Online Services Schema Patch* (sometimes referred to as Data Transfer Patch) via SOLUS3. Patch No. 25663. This patch updates the stored procedures and schema for the Online Services.

*For schools who use any of the following SIMS Online services – SIMS Options Online; SIMS Parent App; SIMS Parent Lite App; SIMS Activities.

10/03/2020 - Administration - SIMS reporting

Resource added: 

• herts_cc_isl_baseline_assessment_form.rptdef

10/03/2020 - Training and events - User group meetings

Resource updated:

• secondary_user_group_spring_mar2020.pdf

Resource added:

• did_you_know_spring_2020.pdf

27/02/2020 DMS newsletter

• February 2020

26/02/2020 Administration - Student record management

Resources updated:

• dms004_importing_atf_files_into_sims_feb2020.pdf
• dms195_applicants_and_admission_groups_in_sims_feb2020.pdf
• dms010_creating_academic_year_march19.pdf

Added tabs:

• SIMS end of year processes
• SIMS start of year processes - primary schools only

Amended tab:

• Admissions and ATFs

24/02/2020 Administration - User management

Resources updated:

• intervention_planning_7190.xml
• change_lookups_7190.xml
• welfare_panel_7190.xml

24/02/2020 SEN - SEN forms and reports

Resources added:

• hfl_-_sen_need_type_and_description_feb2020.RptDef

24/02/2020 Administration - SIMS dinner money

Resources updated:

• dms123_meal_prices_in_sims_feb2020.pdf

18/02/2020 Examinations - Exam results

Resources added:

• dms187_sims_btec_results_2020.pdf
• dms188_ ocr_ cambtech_import_results_summer_2020_v1.0.pdf

13/02/2020 Arbor support (new page)

Resources added:

• dms178_ attendance_in_arbor_pdf_dec_19.pdf
• hcc_penaltly_notice_report_jan2020.report
• dms183_school_meals_and_payments_in_arbor_pdf_dec_19.pdf
• dms_177_adding_a_student_pdf_dec_19.pdf
• dms182_guardians_and_staff_in_arbor_pdf_dec_19.pdf
• class_organisation_return_report_jan2020.report
• dms179_business_roles_and_permissions_in_arbor_pdf_dec_19.pdf
• dms184_clubs_and_trips_in_arbor_pdf_dec_19.pdf
• dms180_communication_in_arbor_pdf_dec_19.pdf
• dms181_dashboard_and_top_tips_in_arbor_pdf_dec_19.pdf
• hcc_electronic_exclusion_sender_report_jan2020.report
• hcc_exclusion_letter_2_report_jan2020.report
• hcc_exclusion_letter_3_report_jan2020.report

12/02/2020 Assessment - All phases

Resources updated:

• cas_ks4_110220.zip
• dms036_sims_ks4_analysis_resources_catalogue_v1.12.pdf

10/02/2020 Administration - Dinner money 

Resource added:

• school_grid_staff_and_pupil_lists_feb2020.RptDef

05/02/2020 Administration - Attendance and lesson monitor

Resources updated:

• hcc_penalty_notice_application_using_sims_feb2020.pdf
• hcc_penalty_notice_feb2020.RptDef

29/01/2020 Administration - Reporting

Resources updated:

• herts_cc_service_request-form_jan2020.rptdef

28/01/2020 Pupil Premium

Resources added:

• hfl_-_pupil_premium _list_dec2019.rptdef

21/01/2020 Pupil Premium

Resources updated:

• dms060_pupil_premium_in_sims_december2019.pdf

21/01/2020 Administration - Conduct - Exclusions

Capita have made us aware of an issue with permanent exclusions being reported in the school census return where the Exclusion Review Date is being reported rather than the Exclusion Start Date.  This may lead to either a permanent exclusion being reported when it should not be or a permanent exclusion not being reported when it should be. Patch No. 25589 is now available.

Our advice to check the census Detailed reports thoroughly for accuracy remains, in this case the Exclusion Detailed report. The report file below, once imported into SIMS, may be helpful in identifying Permanent Exclusions recorded in SIMS which have a Start Date in the range 22/04/2019 – 31/12/2019. If you feel you have an issue with the reporting of Exclusion data in the school census, or have validation error 2290 or query 2485 which you are unable to resolve, please contact the ICT Service Desk.

• hfl_permanent_exclusion_report_january2020.rptdef

20/01/2020 Curriculum - Timetable (Nova T-6)

Resources added:

• dms014_making_basic_changes_in_novat_6.pdf

14/01/2020 Data returns - School census

DfE fileset & known issues - updated text:

Fileset 1403 is required for Spring Census 2020, please download and import this into SIMS. For instructions on how to do this please see page 5 of the Spring 2020 School Census document, document reference DMS174. Please be aware that ALL schools also need to apply patch 25529 as well as importing fileset 1403, this patch was released to all schools last week and schools were also emailed regarding this patch, please liaise with your network support to ensure this is installed. The patch will update the following:

• The 'Exclusions collect from' field in the Census Details panel of Routines | Statutory Returns | Schools Census will change from 01/09/2019 to 22/04/2019
• The reasons for a leaver being included in the return will be extended to include those who have no other reason for being included in the return other than exclusion data for the summer term 2019
• The collection of exclusions data will be extended to include the summer term 2019
• The collection of exclusion reviews data will be removed

NOTE: If trying to download fileset files (mfs and signature) for the school census with Edge browser these may download as zip files. To download the files correctly please try using a different browser such as Chrome or Firefox.

• 1403_statutory_returns_autumn_2019_fileset.mfs
• 1403_statutory_returns_autumn_2019_fileset.mfs.signature

Known issues

1849

The DFE has informed us of the following issue for DFE school validation (the problem does not exist for DFE COLLECT validation).

Query 1849 (Please check: A pupil aged 3 or 4 recorded with post looked after arrangements would be expected to be in receipt of early years pupil premium with a basis for funding of-

RO’ (Receipt Other – In receipt through eligibility for other reasons: where they are in receipt due to eligibility for being in care or due to leaving care through adoption, a special guardianship order or a child arrangement order)

or ‘RB’ (Receipt economic and other - In receipt through eligibility for both reasons: where they are in receipt through eligibility for both economic and other reasons) 

If this Query is being triggered for pupils who are 5 or above or for pupils who do not have post looked after arrangements this can be ignored as it will clear on the DfE Collect software.

2167

This validation rule is put in place by Fileset 1403 and checks that where two SEN Needs are reported for a pupil that they do not have the same Need Type. 

The problem cannot occur where a school uses SEN Need Type Codes that are the same as the SEN Need Type Category. 

However, where schools have created their own SEN Need Type codes, mapping them to the 'official' SEN Need Type Category the problem can occur. 

The problem is solved by removing one of the SEN Needs that map to the same SEN Need Type Category.

13/01/2020 Administration - Conduct

Resources added:

• dms167_completion_and_submission_of_electronic_exclusions_jan2020.pdf
• hcc__exclusion_letters_sep19.rptdef
• hfl_-_exclusions_analysis_inc_term_jan_2020.rptdef

07/01/2020 Personnel

Resources added:

• dms112_personnel_handbook_january2020.pdf

07/01/2020 Data returns - School census

Resources added:

• school_census_validation_errors_document.pdf

DfE fileset & known issues update:

We are currently waiting for the DfE and Capita to release Fileset 1403.  You can start working through the document and keep checking here for the latest information.

Known issues

We are aware of some failures and queries that maybe present when creating and validating your census return, this maybe because schools do not have fileset 1403. Data Management Services are waiting for fileset 1403 to be issued by Capita so we ask that schools wait until this fileset has been imported into SIMS and the return created and validated again before calling the Service Desk. Many of these failures and queries will be resolved once the correct fileset has been imported.

06/01/2020 Administration - Conduct

Resources added:

• dms163_pri_behaviour_and_achievement_catalogue_oct_2019.pdf
• pri_behaviour_reports_oct_2019.rptdef 
• dms164_secondary_behaviour_and_achievement_catalogue_oct_2019.pdf
• sec_behaviour_reports_oct_2019.rptdef

19/12/2019 TeamViewer updated

• team_viewer_qs_en.exe

18/12/2019 Data returns - School census

Resources added:

• dms174_spring_census_-_all_phases_dec19.pdf
• dms134_school_childcare_explained_dec19.pdf
• dms066_school_census_faqs_dec19.pdf
• school_census_pre-check_report_dec19.RptDef
• school_census_eal_report_dec19.rptde
• w168_sims_post-16_FAQs v1.2_dec19.pdf
• w167_sims_post16_census_manage_learning_aims_continued_study_after_planned_end_date_dec19.pdf
• w166_sims_2_year_courses_post16_census_dec19.pdf
• dms103_post_16_mid_year_tips_v1.2_dec19.pdf
• hfl_lessons_for_class_y12.RptDef
• hfl_lessons_for_class_y12_date.RptDef
• hfl_lessons_for_class_y13.RptDef
• hfl_lessons_for_class_y13_date.RptDef
• hfl_class_reports.RptDef
• hfl_courses_and_numbers.RptDe
• hfl_p16_learner_agreement_y12.RptDef
• hfl_p16_learner_agreement_y13.RptDef
• hfl_p16_learner_agreement_y12.rtf
• hfl_p16_learner_agreement_y13.rtf
• post_16_course_numbers_analysis.RptDef
• school_census_sen_needs_and_provisons_dec19.RptDef
• dfe_acceptable_notepad_entries_dec19.pdf

12/12/2019 Examinations - Basedata

• SIMS Exams Organiser video

12/12/2019 Examinations - Results

Resources added:

• Import EDI Results files in SIMS Exams and Edit Results video

10/12/2019 Examinations - Results

Resources added:

• dms176_sims_exam_results_quick_guide.pdf    

02/12/2019 User group meetings

Resources added:

• secondary_user_group_autumn_nov2019.pdf
• SIMS Autumn 2019: Update to the Linked People at the Address Process

Resources removed:

• sug_summer_19_slides.pdf
• tips_and_techniques_summer_19.pdf

29/11/2019 Assessment - All phases

• dms092_sims_assessment_manager_cas_post_16_va_ready_reckoner replaced by dms092_sims_am7_cas_post_16_va_ready_reckonerv1.1.pdf 
• cas_post16_va_ready_reckoner.zip replaced by cas_post16_va_ready_reckoner_v4.2.zip

29/11/2019 Administration - SIMS Reporting

Resources added:

• hfl_-_eligible_for_free_milk_nov2019.rptdef

29/11/2019 Primary user group - Autumn 2019

Resources removed:

• primary_user_group_slides_summer_19.pdf
• mc0321_dms_eofy_flyer_proof.pdf

Resources added:

• primary_user_group_autumn_nov2019.pdf
• hcc_traveller_attendance_guidance_nov2019.pdf

Videos removed:

• Re-admitting a pupil
• Entering EYFS exit data in SIMS introduction
• Creating a pre-admission group

Videos added:

• Creating a new SIMS user
• Entering and Exceptional Circumstance in SIMS

Capita videos added:

• SIMS Autumn 2019: Update to the Linked People at the Address Process

17/10/2019 CAS KS4 Analysis Resources

Following the DfE publication today, the KS4 overview templates for 2019 and 2020 have been updated to the provisional estimates/averages from the 2019 exam results, as have the scatter graphs. 

The most up-to-date CAS KS4 Analysis Resources can be found under Assessment - all phases - secondary

Refer to document DMS036 – SIMS KS4 Analysis Resources Catalogue for version changes. (Updated to v1.10)

If you wish to use the ‘Tgt’ aspects you also need to import the KS4 Assessment Mapping Tool Aspect_Eng.XML