• Latest SIMS .net Update
• Latest FMS Update
• Updated Salary Scales/Service Terms

Summer Main Release 2010 Examination Update

Only schools with 6th Forms have been authorised for this release.

Due to a change in the basedata for the Welsh and Northern Ireland Examination Boards, there has been a re-issue of the SIMS Summer Main Release version 7.132. The earlier versions of basedata from these boards failed to include the new A* grade in A level subjects.

Only schools expecting to receive results from the above boards for GCE A level entries in the Summer Season 2010 should take this upgrade.

For schools that have already taken the Summer Main release and have not made entries for these boards for the Summer 2010, this upgrade should be ignored.

For schools that have not taken the Summer Main upgrade and have made entries to these boards for Summer 2010, this Examinations upgrade release replaces the earlier Summer Main Release. This upgrade will deliver all the functionality of the Summer Main Release.

The upgrade should be taken following the documentation provided for the Summer main release.

Schools affected by this issue must take this upgrade and carry out procedures in Examination Organiser detailed in the document 'Summer Main Release Exam 2010 Processes' provided, BEFORE importing Welsh or NI Board A level results files.

Diploma Manager for Exam 6.80 Upwards

New Examinations Organiser Diploma season and proxy basedata setup and usage guide.

For Summer release SIMS and Exams 6.80 onwards only.

FMS Summer 2010 Main Release v6.132

FMS 6.132 is an essential upgrade for schools trading using the OPEN market place. This version, FMS 6.128 or 6.124 must be in place before the migration of the SQL database(s) to SQL 2008 is attempted. In addition, the upgrade delivers a number of enhancements and fixes detailed in the accompanying content document.

This version has enhancements and fixes in the following areas:

• Support for the DfE OPEN eProcurement procedures. Schools trading with the OPEN website should upgrade to FMS 6.132 to utilise the new functionality detailed below.
• Enhancements supporting recurring payments.
• Bank Statement numbering affecting Bank Reconciliation
• Defining VAT Periods in Leap Years
• Non-invoiced Income Receipts
• VAT Reports Exported Electronically on SQL Server 2008
• Cumulative Expense Anaysis Report
• Interface with Third Party Budgeting software

For more detail on the changes in the FMS 6.132, please read the FMS Release Notes available below.

Printable upgrade instructions for this update are also available below.

If you require detailed instructions on the use of SOLUS to upgrade SIMS products, visit the SOLUS 2 Documentation page.

SIMS.net Summer Main Release v7.132

The Summer Main Release of SIMS.net version 7.132 is now available for download, it is an essential upgrade for all schools. This release must be taken in order to complete the Autumn School Census 2010 and the School Workforce Census which takes place in November 2010.

This upgrade to your SIMS system contains some new features in addition to enhancements and fixes. The most significant of which are in the following areas:

• Revised files to support the Autumn School Census 2010.
• Revised files to support the School Workforce Return Census in November 2010.
• Timetable printing includes the functionality to view and print a wide variety of timetables from within SIMS. Advanced formatting options are also available. Timetables can now be produced for staff, student, rooms and non-class codes, plus a range of timetables including Free Staff and Subjects.
• Assessment Manager now includes the option to print the colours on individual parental reports for data derived from Nested If Then Else formulas.
• Course Manager; two new routines have been added to enable the bulk updating of course end dates: Bulk Update Course End Dates Routine and Bulk Update Course End Dates Leavers Routine.
• In Personnel; A new field, SWC Total Pay (annual salary equivalent + allowances), is available.
• Examination Organiser includes changes to diploma codes and new functionality to enable the management of diplomas. This release also includes the JCQ revised formats that are required from September 2010. Examination Officers should read the detailed notes below.
• SIMS Options Offer. This is the initial phase of the SIMS Options Offer process in SIMS. The first phase provides the ability to define and maintain Options Offers, create associated courses and lists of choices, assign students to the appropriate offers for their National Curriculum Year groups and define the band structure for eventual import into Options 5.70 and Nova-T6.
• Dinner Money 7; relaxation of staff and pupil deletion where no financial transactions recorded.
• Pre-defined reports; a new pre-defined report has been created, called the Free School Meal Current Report.
• In addition to the modules mentioned above, there are fixes in the following areas: Academic Management, Assessment, Analysis 7, Attendance, Cover, Lesson Monitor, Profiles, & STAR.

For more detail on the changes in the SIMS .net 7.132, please read the Release Notes available below.

Printable upgrade instructions for this update are also available below.

If you require detailed instructions on the use of SOLUS to upgrade SIMS products, visit the SOLUS 2 Documentation page.

Summer 2010 CSM Software Updates – Information

The Summer CSM Software Updates have been held during June. The slides used at those roadshows are available for download, as are the documents related to the End of Year procedures which were discussed at these events.

Summer School Census 2010

There are 4 files available below for the Summer School Census 2010. The errors and resolution document should further advise you regarding any errors you may receive.

The preparation documents are also listed below. Please make yourself aware of the latest instructions for Census before continuing with the return.

The DCSF has supplied a new version of files used for Summer School Census 2010 Validation and Summary Reports. This latest fileset is now available for download.

To download the file, proceed as follows:

• The file will be downloaded via the link below, if security warnings appear during the download, click Run/Open to proceed.
• When this is complete, click unzip to automatically extract the file to the location C:\Downloaded Patches.
• To import the file, enter SIMS.net with the appropriate access level (System Manager) and import via Tools | Setups | Import Fileset.
• In the file location box which appears use the browse button to the right to navigate to C:\Downloaded Patches folder, the file
  0042-StatutoryReturns_Summer2010_Update_Fileset.mfs will show in the browser, click Open.
• The details of file 0042-StatutoryReturns_Summer2010_Update_Fileset.mfs will show, click the Import Fileset button to complete the process.
• The Import complete message will appear to indicate successful completion,
• Close the screen

Update to the Validation and Summary Reports for Spring School Census

Some schools may require a revised fileset to resolve validation issues for the Spring School Census. The majority of schools will not need to download the amended validation file.

Schools should only download and import this fileset if advised to do so by our support staff.

A full explanation of changes is given in the document on this link.

To download the file, proceed as follows:

• The file will be downloaded via the link below, if security warnings appear during the download, click Run/Open to proceed.
• When this is complete, click unzip to automatically extract the file to the location C:\Downloaded Patches.
• To import the file, enter SIMS.net with the appropriate access level (System Manager) and import via Tools | Setups | Import Fileset.
• In the file location box which appears use the browse button to the right to navigate to C:\Downloaded Patches folder, the file 0029-School_Census_and_SWC_Spring_2010_update..mfs will show in the browser, click Open.
• The details of file 0029-School_Census_and_SWC_Spring_2010_update.mfs will show, click the Import Fileset button to complete the process.
• The Import complete message will appear to indicate successful completion,
• Close the screen

CSM Newsletter, January 2010

Customer Services Managers newsletter in both Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat format.

CSM Roadshow Presentations, November 2009

CSM Roadshow presentations in both Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat format.

Important - FMS 6.120 VAT for Wiltshire Schools

Important Note for Wiltshire Schools

After upgrading to FMS 6.120, users will find that there is now a choice of formats for the full VAT report.

Wiltshire schools produce a monthly VAT report which is sent to the local authority as a Tab Separated File. The correct format of this report must be chosen for compatibility with the LA central system.

It is essential that users choose the VAT and Net option, note that this is NOT the default option and the selection must be changed before generating the report.

Full details of this change can be obtained from the link below.

Revised SOLUS files September 2009

Users in some Local Authorities are experiencing difficulties in downloading upgrade and patch files via SOLUS. A message indicating a failure to reach the SOLUS web server is received.

There are revised SOLUS files available to resolve this issue.

Proceed as follows:

• Carry out these operations on the server hosting the SIMS database, or on the workstation hosting the SIMS database in the case of a Workgroup.
• Click on the link to download the revised SOLUS files.
• When prompted, Run the downloaded file, there may be a second dialogue box asking for confirmation of the Run command.
• WinZip is being used to copy the files into the correct location, a default location of the SIMS .net directory server has been pre-entered.
• The location is likely to be C:\Program Files\SIMS\SIMS .net which is the default entry or D:\Program Files\SIMS\SIMS .net. If you are unsure, use the ESS Upgrade Utility, this will show the location of this folder on your system. See the notes.
• Important note, if entering manually, there is a space after SIMS and before .NET
• With the location of the SIMS .NET folder entered, click UNZIP to extract the files
• A report that 2 files have been unzipped successfully will be received and the process is complete.

Supporting Information For End of Year Procedures 2009/2010

The following files will assist schools with the End of Year Proceedures 2009/2010.

Personnel 7 FAQ May 2009

Please find below P7 FAQ document as mentioned in CSM Newsletter May 2009.

Bedford LA Code, Patch 13094

Important information for SIMS users in schools in Bedfordshire identified by Local Authority code 820.

All schools currently with a LA code of 820, schools in Bedfordshire, are affected by local government changes which became effect from 1st April 2009. These schools will now be associated with two new Local Authority codes, 822 for Bedford Borough and 823 for Central Bedfordshire.

Patch 13094 will automatically make the necessary adjustment to the SIMS database to ensure that schools have the correct LA code. There is no need to re enter information into the School Details area of SIMS.net. In addition, schools in the Other Schools area of SIMS.net are also adjusted. This means that the LA code of 820 is replaced by the appropriate new code for feeder and destination schools that you have on your system. This is important when sending and receiving CTF files (Common Transfer Files). Again no manual adjustment is required.

Now that these changes have become effective, this patch must be run before downloading any files from SOLUS as the old 820 for Bedfordshire is no longer recognised. Accordingly, this patch will need to be run manually without the aid of SOLUS.

Read the instructions for applying this patch, then use the links below as instructed.

Left Click on the document below to read it. Print it if you require a hard copy.
Right Click on the document below and choose "Save Target As..." to save a copy to your computer.

AQA Exams

This document outlines issues with the AQA Exams basedata and their solution for Examinations Organiser users in Secondary schools.

Backup SIMS and FMS

This document provides the latest guidance for all schools when backing up their SIMS and FMS6 databases.

Creating Exceptional Circumstances in SIMS.net

This document is appropriate for all schools who have closed the school due to unexpected circumstances eg the recent poor weather. The notes cover how to allocate the Y code to the relevant register dates.

Changes in FMS required for the new 15% VAT Rate (Isle of Wight Schools)

Schools in Isle of Wight will be aware via communications from the Local Authority that patches will be made available shortly to facilitate the required changes in FMS. These patches will add the two new VAT codes and adjust the default standard rate settings for Ledger Codes requiring VAT at the new standard rate.

Schools are advised not to make manual VAT changes in FMS and to await the availability of the patches. These patches will be delivered by SOLUS and full documentation will be supplied to assist users in Isle of Wight.

Information will be updated on our support site www.capitaess.co.uk

Changes in FMS required for the new 15% VAT Rate (Swindon Schools)

Schools in Swindon will be aware via communications from the Local Authority that patches will be made available shortly to facilitate the required changes in FMS. These patches will add the two new VAT codes and adjust the default standard rate settings for Ledger Codes requiring VAT at the new standard rate.

Schools are advised not to make manual VAT changes in FMS and to await the availability of the patches. These patches will be delivered by SOLUS and full documentation will be supplied to assist users in Swindon.

Information will be updated on our support site www.capitaess.co.uk

Changes to the Standard Rate of VAT in FMS 6

The recent changes to the standard VAT rate require modifications to FMS. The standard VAT rate is to be reduced from 17.5% to 15% with effect from Monday 1st December 2008.

The document below gives detailed instructions on how to:

• Add two new VAT rates (VAT In and VAT Out) at the new 15% rate
• Change default Standard Rate VAT settings (optional activity)

This document applies to all versions of FMS.

It is likely that additional information will be sent to you by your Local Authority finance team concerning the exact codes to be used.

Schools should be clear which codes are to be used before adding the new VAT codes.

Setting Up The Report Scheduler

This guidance helps you set up scheduled SIMS .net reports, so that you can automatically run reports that you require on a regular basis.

Updated Salary Scales

Updated Salary Scales/Service Terms.

NOTE: These updates apply to Personnel 7 (SIMS .net) only. There are no updates available for Personnel 5 (Launcher).

1. Choose your Local Authority below.
   
2. Identify which file is appropriate for your SIMS .net version.
   
3. Click on the Instructions and read carefully before proceeding.
   
4. Run the CCS_Base_Lookups import if required.
   
5. Click on the self extracting archive below and select "Run" or "Open".
   
6. Extract the files to your SIMS folder by clicking "Unzip", then "Close" - change the path if your SIMS folder is not located on drive S:.
   

Education Service Desk Web Logging

You now have the ability to log and track your Education Service Desk calls across the internet. These documents provide guidance on the process and solution search information.

Wiltshire VAT Report, Patch 1383

Note: This patch is only an essential requirement for Wiltshire LA schools

There has been an on-going issue with the Full VAT report being generated each month by Wiltshire schools. This report sent to Wiltshire LA and imported into their system to maintain reports of VAT payments for each school. Since the migration of FMS to SQL 2005, this import has experienced difficulties requiring intervention by Wiltshire LA staff.

This situation is now resolved by patch 1383 which will make adjustments to the Full VAT report being generated by FMS.

Read the instructions for applying this patch, then use the links below as instructed.

Left Click on the document below to read it. Print it if you require a hard copy.
Right Click on the document below and choose "Save Target As..." to save a copy to your computer.

SIMS .net Infrastructure Update

Microsoft .NET Framework 2, Windows Installer 3.1 and the latest SIMS Infrastructure Setup are required by SIMS from the May release onwards.

The SIMS .net Infrastructure Update bundles all three into one package, simplifying the installation of these pre-requisites on SIMS Workstations.

Use this utility if you have not already installed these packages onto your workstations.

New Essex Ethnic Codes

Essex has issued new Ethnic codes, details of which can be found on Essex Schools’ Infolink.

1. Click on the self extracting archive below and select "Run" or "Open".
2. Extract the files to the C:\Temp\Ethnic folder by clicking "Unzip", then "Close".
3. Open SIMS .net and click Tools | Lookups | Configure Ethnic Codes.
4. Select "C:\Temp\Ethnic\Ethnic.txt" and click the Configure button.

The six additional codes will not be visible until SIMS .net has been closed and re-opened.

First Language Codes

First Language Codes required for School Census January 2007, to replace Home Language codes. Import the appropriate file for your Local Authority by following the instructions below.

1. Click on the document below to read it. Print it if you require a hard copy.
2. Select your Local Authority and school Phase, then click the "Download" button.
3. Select "Run" or "Open".
4. Extract the files to the C:\Temp\FirstLanguage folder by clicking "Unzip", then "Close".
5. Follow the instructions to import the new language codes.

Checking SIMS .net Backup

This document describes how to check Veritas/Symantec Backup Exec to ensure your SIMS .net SQL database is being backed up.

1. Click on the document below to read it. Print it if you require a hard copy.

Clearing Blocked RM Mailboxes

This document gives instructions for clearing blocked RM mailboxes. This is only relevant to schools with slow or problematic Internet connections.

1. Click on the document below to read it. Print it if you require a hard copy.

System and Data Security

This document covers many aspects of computer security that you should be aware of.

1. Click on the document below to read it. Print it if you require a hard copy.

1. Click Email ESD to create a new mail message addressed to esd@capita.co.uk.
2. Complete the template and click Send.

If you are unable to open the template using the link above, click here to show the template and copy it manually

1. Download the template to your computer.
2. Open the template and complete it.
3. Fax the completed template to 0844 893 7000.