SIMS - Date selector fix

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Following on from a Microsoft Update the date selector feature in SIMS has not been working correctly and bringing up a SIMS fault when users try to enter a date using the date selector.  We have been advising schools to enter the date manually in SIMS as a temporary fix but we now have a patch which has been made available by Capita.  Please use the instructions below to download and run the patch at your school: 

• Click on the following zipped folder and choose "Save as".  Save the folder to a shared SIMS area (we suggest: J:\SIMSdata\Inbox): SIMS 2015 Spring Date Selector Fix
• Once the file has downloaded, locate the zipped folder in J:\SIMSdata\Inbox.  Right click on the zipped folder and choose "Extract all".  If you have winzip installed then you may need to choose Winzip then "Extract here".
• When the file has been extracted from the zipped folder, please make sure you are logged out of SIMS then double click on the file to start up the wizard.  Continue to click on "Next" until the installation starts to run, then click on "Finish".  Other users can stay logged into SIMS as this is a workstation fix and therefore will need to be run on each SIMS workstation.
• You might now be asked to restart your machine.  Click to restart if this window has popped up.  Once your machine has booted back up please login to SIMS and test the date selector.  A quick way to test would be to open edit marks and try changing the date using the date picker (Focus - Attendance - Edit marks). 
• Please note that this is not a crucial update and you can continue you enter the date in SIMS manually if you wish. 

SIMS Fault Code 1829-4733-7100

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We have been made aware of a fault code which is appearing in various areas of the SIMS MIS system since Microsoft released an automatic update which may have been implemented on school’s servers overnight. 

The error manifests as a number (1829-4733-7100) specifically when users who are entering data select any drop down date box in SIMS and will close down your SIMS software without notice.

Capita are aware of the issue and are working on a resolution as a matter of urgency.

In the meantime, schools are being asked to enter any dates manually and not use the drop down boxes.

If you encounter this error or have any further problems, please call us on 01609 536086 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

On-line Payment & Texting systems

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Following is a comparison of various alternatives to ParentPay for on-line payment and communication (texting and email) systems out there, namely SIMS In Touch and Agora, and SchoolComms.  The links below give basic details and costs about these different solutions to on-line payments and texting/emailing for parents which aim to make school life and parental life as straightforward as possible.  We have also included the SIMS Dinner Money system for completeness.

The information given is just functionality, costs, support and contact details.  It’s as accurate as possible but comparisons have been difficult to make as some products charge by numbers of pupils in school and some don’t.  Confirmation of prices will therefore be needed, plus there are discounts to be had if enough schools sign up.  A bit of a minefield I’m sure you’ll agree!

If you are interested in going forward with any of these products we would be grateful if you could get back in touch with us in the first instance, so that we can then liaise properly with the product account managers to negotiate any possible discounts.  However, you are obviously perfectly free to contact the companies direct to ask any questions, confirm any misunderstandings, etc.

Links relating to different school sizes are available to open at the bottom of this article.

Please also be aware of the guidance from Internal Audit:

Although ParentPay is the County Council's preferred provider, there are other providers on the market which schools may be interested in using.

Schools that are considering implementing other systems are reminded that any procurement exercise must be carried out in accordance with the LMS Procedure Rules. Paragraph 4.9 of the LMS Financial Procedure Rules states that schools may operate an online income collection system but must only use a supplier whose system has been approved by the CD-SR. Such schools are strongly advised to contact Veritau Ltd for advice regarding their preferred system.

Guidance on the issues to consider when implementing an online income management system other than ParentPay can be found here:

Guidance for using On line Payment systems                                                                                                               

Comparison Documents

Comparison of costs for schools with under 50 on roll

Comparison of costs for schools with 51-99 on roll

Comparison of costs for schools with 100-199 on roll

Comparison of costs for schools with 200-299 on roll

Comparison of costs for schools with 300-399 on roll

Comparison of costs for schools with 400-499 on roll

Comparison of costs for schools with over 500 on roll