In September 2021, we were proud to be announced as the new Strategic IT Partner for the Eastwards Consortium of schools. The Consortium consists of 25 schools in the East Birmingham area, with the project focused on developing local provisions through provision of valuable speech and language support to pupils.

Following on from our initial consultancy with the project leaders and facilitators, we designed a bespoke action plan in accordance to their requirements and specifications for the project. This included:

• The design and creation of a logo for the Eastwards Consortium
• The creation of a project website for parents and students to access learning materials
• Application and implementation of an Office 365 Tenancy to utilise cloud-based technology
• Staff training on how to effectively utilise the systems implemented

With an action plan agreed, the first and foremost task for the project was to obtain a professional logo design. To do so, we reached out to one of our many partners who provides high-quality logo design and, with various iterations and designs discussed, a final logo was agreed and finalised for the project.

Once a logo had been agreed, we then began to establish and create a user-friendly, interactive website in which both parents and pupils could access to gather learning materials and, eventually, allow parents to be able to upload their child’s work for review.

To action this in the most effective manner possible, we utilised our in-house website design team to liaise with the project further, and began drafting together a ‘demo site’ in which feedback was regularly shared and reviewed to create an interactive website that met client specification. This website was designed with key UX design principles in mind, capturing a balance between a child-friendly theme with professionally designed webpages. The website is continually added to with new content produced by the Eastwards Consortium, with 24/7 support for parents and students through effective content management.

After the website had been created, we recommended an Microsoft Office 365 tenancy agreement be set up – this tenancy would serve as a ‘learning hub’ for parents, teachers and students alike, with full implementation and usability of the ever-growing Microsoft Teams application. This is currently in the process of being configured, with the Consortium receiving training at regular intervals.

We are proud to be the chosen strategic IT partner for the Eastwards Consortium project. With a dedicated team of individuals providing constant support, we are excited to see Eastwards Consortium provide effective, interactive resources to children across the West Midlands area.

Hanif Ur-Rehman – Project Leader, Eastwards Consortium:

“I have had the pleasure of working with Haz Technology since September 2021. I am currently leading a project called Developing Local Provision for the Eastwards Consortium of 25 schools. As part of the project, I needed to work with an ICT company to create and develop a website that would engage parents and teaching staff. I was provided with the contact details for Haz Technology, and they have supported me on this project.

Since my first meeting with Andy Dean and Sam McDade, I have been consistently impressed by their dedication to this project and their professionalism.  They were able to take my vision and make it into a reality. They were also able to quickly develop and create the website.  During my visits to the other schools and my meetings with the head teachers in the consortium, they have all been extremely complimentary of the website and how professional it looks. 

I would like to extend my gratitude to Andy Dean, Sam McDade, Samuel Woodhouse, Mat Shipway and the rest of the team at Haz Technology for supporting me on this journey.  I have, and would continue to, recommend Haz Technology to any establishment that are looking create and develop an outstanding website.”

To view further information about the Eastwards Consortium and the schools it supports, please click here.

For further information about the services we provide to schools and businesses across the Midlands, please get in touch.

Kind Regards,

Haz Technology,
6 Newborough Close,
Austrey,
Atherstone,
Warwickshire,
CV9 3EX