Digital Strategy: The Importance of Information and Data Systems in MATs

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, effective decision-making and reporting rely heavily on robust information and data systems. Whether you're part of a small or rapidly increasing Multi Academy Trust (MAT), having the right tools in place early on can significantly impact pupil outcomes and reduce staff workload. Effective, accurate and automated data systems underpin educational excellence and efficiency. 

Data isn’t just a collection of numbers; it’s a powerful resource that informs strategic choices. MATs generate vast amounts of data daily - attendance records, assessment results, behaviour incidents, and more. An appropriate Management Information System (MIS) such as SIMS, Bromcom or Arbor, acts as the central nervous system, seamlessly integrating this data and providing real-time insights to educators, SLT, and governors. Effective communication is also essential for these stakeholders. Email systems, messaging apps, and parent portals foster transparent communication. 

Administrative tasks can be time-consuming and draining for school staff. An MIS automates processes like attendance tracking, timetabling, and student records management. By reducing the manual workload, teachers and administrators can focus on what matters most: teaching and supporting students.  

Collaborative tools such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace promote teamwork among educators. Whether it’s lesson planning, sharing resources, or joint projects, these platforms enhance productivity especially when deployed as part of a unified digital strategy Trust-wide. 

Educational applications can play a pivotal role in enhancing teaching and learning experiences. From interactive learning platforms to specialized subject-specific tools, applications empower educators and engage students. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions provide flexibility and scalability and schools can access software applications via the cloud, eliminating the need for on-premise installations. This model that SaaS delivers allows for cost-effective management and regular updates which can offer significant benefits when delivered Trust-wide under an inclusive and data driven digital strategy. 

For example, paired with a suitable and secure data extraction tool, data from an MIS can be exported and used to automatically create, and indeed delete, user accounts across a school/MAT's' cloud platform, i.e. Microsoft 365 or Google. Exporting standard data sets such as class or registration groups can enable automated population of classes within the chosen cloud provider that is acting as your digital education platform cutting the administration workload. Further to this custom data sets can also be exported and used to help manage user licencing agreements for not only the cloud platform licencing, i.e. Microsoft A1 or A3 licences, but also for some 3^rd party applications such as SMART notebook for use in classrooms. This will not only save administrative time and offer cost savings but also ensure that your licensing agreements are priced accurately. 

Overall, cloud services can enable seamless data storage, collaboration, and accessibility. Whether it’s sharing information and resources across schools within a MAT or ensuring disaster recovery, the cloud enhances efficiency. BI tools can also be essential for informed decision-making and these tools can transform raw data into actionable insights. This allows schools and MATs to analyse student performance, track trends, and identify areas for improvement, all from one convenient central hub. As highlighted above, customisable reports can also facilitate transparency and accountability, enabling a trust's educational leaders to allocate resources effectively to save both time and money. 

The DfE’s digital standards emphasize the importance of secure, efficient, and interoperable systems. MATs should align their MIS and cloud services with these standards to ensure data protection, seamless communication, and effective collaboration. By adhering to these guidelines, educational institutions can enhance their overall performance. MATs must carefully consider data management, access control, and compliance with standards when transitioning to cloud-based systems.  

In the digital age, information and data systems are the backbone of educational success. MATs must invest wisely in MIS and SaaS solutions that empower educators, streamline operations, and drive positive outcomes. 

How Wavenet can help with experience and expertise

We provide a wide range of services to assist you in implementing the most suitable information and data systems for your trust and schools. Our team will offer strategic guidance and advice to help you choose the right system that aligns with your trust's goals. We specialise in providing tailored services and support to cater to the unique needs of your trust. With our team's expertise, we ensure seamless integration of real-time, contextualised data from your establishment, which enables deeper insights into assessment, attendance, behaviour, student, and staff data. 

Additionally, we have experts who specialise in Microsoft 365 for Education and Google Workspace. Therefore, whatever platform you choose, we can integrate it with ease.

We can help design a digital strategy that is not only bespoke to your trust and schools but one that is informed, and data driven to help you stay ahead of the ever-evolving digital curve.