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Web Design Portfolio

The School Organisation Unit website was a complicated system which required the use of some very sophisticated programming techniques. The factual data was assimilated in such a way that it could produce very detailed legal documentation for the user. The whole process required us to work very closely with the SOU to ensure we met their needs and could work to tight deadlines. We developed a Content Management System, so that they could be firmly in the driving seat when it came to updating the news and information sections, which gives them the freedom and flexibility to control this part of the website in-house.”

Alan Easter-Robinson, MD @ Arkom
DfE - School Organisation Unit

School Organisation Unit for DfE

Set up as part of the Department for Education (DfE), the Schools Organisation Unit (SOU) supports the Minister for Education re school organisation issues, openings, closings & any changes.

It also offers advice and guidance to other parties involved in these school changes such as local authorities, school organisation committees, parents, the general public and school governors.

Requirement:

Prior to the development of the website most information and communication was paper based. Understandably, because of the rules, regulations and procedures, this meant it was a lengthy, time consuming process, giving rise to human error. Also, because of the changes in legislation the website has to be flexible enough to adapt.

It needed to be simplistic & easy to navigate, acting as a support mechanism for users.
To create legal documents, reducing paperwork & the element of human error.
Content Management System so that SOU retain control over news & information sections.

Solution:

The solution thus far has been in two phases. The first phase was the initial set up and mechanics of the website. Lots of detail from legislation was incorporated and it was deemed to be a great success. The 2nd phase was undertaken in response to a change in legislation which meant the old site had to be updated. This presented the DCSF with an opportunity to go ahead with some significant improvements that would improve look and feel. The site is now much more straightforward and easy to navigate with comprehensive sections for all parties interested in the process. However, whilst the design on the outside looks very friendly and accessible the technology used is very innovative and sophisticated — which is one of Arkom’s specialisms.

The old system relied upon a separate linked website for registered users where the content was hidden from view. As part of the 2nd phase improvements the separate website was done away with and a new visible members’ area has been incorporated into the main site. Once a simple registration process has been completed all the content of the members’ area becomes accessible, making the whole process a lot more transparent. Members’ content includes access to a Notice Builder which, by a simple Question & Answer session, facilitates the building of all legal notices required for school organisation. The draft notice can be sent directly to the SOU for checking and feedback. It also contains an ‘Ask the Expert’ section which means that relevant government officials can be quizzed on-line, on matters affecting education.

The SOU operates a Content Management System (CMS) which means that as important news & developments happen in Education, they can in their own time and with no external costs input these. In the 2nd phase this was also improved giving greater control to the DCSF of more information on the website and the ability to alter this.

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