Hello and welcome to the Scomis Newsletter! In this week’s edition we have a thank you and apology, information on our Bromcom webinars, a note about cyber security, upcoming training for all schools, and guidance on third party integration with Bromcom.
A Big Thank You and an Apology
Many of you will understand why the last few months has been very difficult for a lot of you, for Devon County Council and for Scomis, some of the background information is in the public domain; we still cannot say much more.
Scomis and Devon County Council would like to say a massive thank you to you for trusting us to continue to support you, whatever services you are taking from us.
For our MIS supported schools, our focus is now 100% on getting your chosen MIS to give you the best experience possible.
To our schools that have moved to Bromcom, you have played a massive part in making the move a huge success, but with change there are often teething problems. We apologise that we could not develop and hone our services to give 100% satisfaction from day one.
Of course, those of you that are seeing some issues will really only be interested in what we are doing to fix things. We are in direct communication with Bromcom at all levels on a daily basis to resolve things for you as quickly as possible.
Bromcom Webinars for Devon maintained schools
All recordings of our recent Scomis/Bromcom webinars have been uploaded to our FAQ site, along with ‘bite size’ videos and FAQs. This area will ‘grow’ and be regularly updated, and we can tailor it to customer feedback.
Please contact the Scomis Service Desk if you require the password to this site by contacting us on
01392 385300 and selecting Option 2.
Cyber Security
Scomis would like to remind schools that cyber security is an extremely important consideration for the senior management team, governing bodies and trustees of academies and Multi Academy Trusts.
Robust network security will prevent loss of vital data, accidental damage and malicious activity (cyber attacks).
Review the DfE’s guidance here (Updated 10th March 2025). Cyber incidents and attacks have significant operational and financial impacts on schools and colleges.
Review the South West Grid for Learning’s Cyber Security Checklist for Schools
- Train your staff regularly!
- Keep training interesting!
- Provide training around personal risks!
Identify those who have access to sensitive information: Headteacher, DSL, Business/HR Manager, SENCo.
Consider completion of the National Cyber Security Centre’s training for schools.
You can also contact Scomis for impartial and objective advice on:
- Infrastructure Services; Network Solutions and Services;
- Remote Back-up.
For help with all of this, you can consider signing up to our ScoTech service, which you can find out more about here.
Call us on 01392 385300 or email scomis@devon.gov.uk
Training and CPD
Advance notice of webinars for all schools:
Scomis would like to take the opportunity to remind schools at the start of the Summer term of key dates and the associated administration functions in an academic year. These webinars will provide delegates with advance notice of important dates to aid planning and preparation of key administrative functions in an academic year.
23rd April 2025 – 2pm to 2.45pm – Key Dates in the Academic Year for Primary Schools
25th April 2025 – 2pm to 2.45pm – Key Dates in the Academic Year for Secondary Schools
These webinars will be particularly useful for newly appointed school administrators and a timely reminder for data managers and senior managers.
To aid schools with their preparation for the Summer School Census (15th May 2025), Scomis will be delivering the following webinars for all schools:
29th April 2025 – 2pm to 3pm – Preparing for the Summer Census – Primary Schools
1st May 2025 – 2pm to 3pm – Preparing for the Summer Census – Secondary Schools
These webinars will be particularly useful for newly appointed school administrators and a timely reminder for data managers and senior managers. Find out what data must be reported to the DfE before the completion of the Census Return.
To register for the webinars please email us at scomis@devon.gov.uk.
We would also like to advise schools that Scomis will be running a programme of specific training courses which will be published at the beginning of the Summer term.
Hey Matt!
How can I setup third party suppliers access to integrate with my new MIS?
I’m glad you asked! When looking to integrate a third party application, it’s best to liaise with the third party for more detailed instructions. You can read our third party application integration FAQ here for more information, including:
- How to add a new user account with third party permissions
- Set up write back permissions
- Checking data processing consent
If you need any further help, you can get in touch with us on 01392 385300 or scomis@devon.gov.uk.