The ‘Bring Your Own Device’ model is now popular at many schools and colleges, and at Tomlinscote we fully support the use of pre-owned iPad's at school. However, the school requires consistency across all staff and student devices . For this reason, any device that a student wishes to use at school must meet certain criteria:

• Capable of running iPadOS 14 (The device must be an iPad Mini 4 or higher model – please contact the school if you need advice on this)
• Should have at least 10GB free space available for school apps and coursework
• Can be a mini iPad or full size, but must be carried in a suitable cover or case which is robust enough to withstand a busy day at school
• Must be Wi-Fi only

If parents wish to provide an iPad for their child without entering the lease scheme, they are required to make a one-off payment online to register the device with the school Mobile Device Management system (MDM) for the duration of the iPad scheme.

Once registered, the iPad will receive all of the same benefits as the lease scheme iPad's. This includes the automatic installation of school apps and services. It will also help in the event that an iPad goes missing or is stolen.

Insurance
Parents who provide an iPad for their child are strongly advised to arrange insurance cover for the device.

In some cases it may be possible to add the device to your home and contents insurance, but always make sure that the device will be covered outside the home. It also possible to insure single devices through a wide range of providers.

The school provides iPad's which may be purchased with a one-off payment.  These iPad's are offered at a very competitive rate and are yours to keep.

During registration, parents enter their details for a one off payment for the full amount.

The payment covers more than an iPad alone. Each iPad is supplied with a sturdy case, insurance against accidental damage, and safe and secure access to the school network and services.

Before each scheme starts, the school will decide which model and specification of iPad will be made available. This will be based on current value for money and the potential lifespan of the device.  The school will also set a deadline for orders, and inform parents of all these details.

When the deadline is reached, the school confirms an order for the correct amount of iPad's, and the supplier arranges deliver to the school.

Once the iPad's have arrived at school they are unpacked and prepared by the IT Support team.  Sessions are then arranged to distribute the iPad's to each student, usually in tutor groups. These sessions cover the initial set up of the iPad ready for school use, and some ground rules the students must adhere to (see school website for more information).

For students entering the school mid-year or at the start of Year 8, 9 or 11, the school will advise parents on the best course of action and which device option might be best.

The school provides iPad's through two lease schemes, one three years in length, and the other two years. A new iPad scheme begins when students enter Year 7 or Year 10. At the beginning of each scheme, parents can place an order for an iPad using an online registration portal. The school will provide the opening & closing dates for orders prior to the scheme starting.

During registration parents enter their details for monthly payments which contribute to the lease of the iPad's. The monthly payments vary depending on the length of the scheme. For the two-year scheme, payments are slightly higher because of the shorter time frame.

The payments cover more than an iPad alone. Each iPad is supplied with a sturdy case, insurance against accidental damage, and safe and secure access to the school network and services.

Before each scheme starts, the school will decide which model and specification of iPad will be made available. This will be based on current value for money and the potential lifespan of the device. The school will also set a deadline for orders, and inform parents of all these details.

When the deadline is reached, the school confirms an order for the correct amount of iPad's, and the supplier arranges delivery to the school.

Once the iPad's have arrived at school they are unpacked and prepared by the IT Support team. Sessions are then arranged to distribute the iPad's to each student, usually in tutor groups. These sessions cover the initial set up of the iPad ready for school use, and some ground rules the students must adhere to (see school website for more information).

For students entering the school mid-year or at the start of Year 8, 9 or 11, the school will advise parents on the best course of action and which device option might be best.