Creating a secure, reliable IT environment at Worsley Mesnes Primary School

When Tim Mooney joined Worsley Mesnes Primary School as Head Teacher, the school was already under contract with an IT provider. However, the service was not meeting the school’s needs, and they were facing several issues including:

• Frequent technical issues and downtime disrupting teaching and administration
• Inconsistent hardware and software creating inefficiencies
• Troubleshooting IT issues distracted staff from teaching and supporting pupils

Tim had previously worked with John Warburton, a director of abtec Managed IT, and trusted their approach and advice. Even while the school was still supported by another provider, abtec offered guidance and reassurance, reflecting a strong professional relationship built on trust.
When the IT contract came up for renewal, Tim and the school’s governing body made the decision to move Worsley Mesnes Primary School’s IT support to abtec Managed IT.

The goal was to deliver a secure, consistent, and reliable IT environment tailored to the needs of a busy primary school.
Key steps included:

• Migrating the school to the cloud, ensuring systems are resilient, scalable, and fully operational
• Wiping and re-installing all equipment, creating consistent hardware and software across the school
• Implementing DfE-compliant cyber security practices, including firewalls, web filtering, safeguarding software, and Sophos security services
• Managing Microsoft licensing efficiently to ensure staff had access to the right tools
• Supporting teaching staff by managing hardware, including iPads, and other IT systems
• Maintaining additional infrastructure, such as the school telephone and tannoy system and lockdown system
• Completing the migration and setup during school holidays, avoiding downtime for pupils and staff

The migration, which can often take six weeks to three months, was completed in just two days, ensuring a smooth, disruption-free transition.

Ongoing IT support is headed up by Antony Whitton, who ensures that the school’s IT systems remain reliable, secure, and fully supported every day.

Since moving to abtec, Worsley Mesnes Primary School benefits from:

• A successful cloud migration completed quickly and without disruption
• A stable, reliable IT environment supporting teaching, learning, and administration
• Improved cyber security, aligned with DfE guidance, including firewalls, web filters, safeguarding software, and Sophos protection
• Consistent hardware and software across the school, reducing issues and downtime
• Full management of IT systems, including iPads, Microsoft licensing, telephone and tannoy systems, and the lockdown system
• Responsive, dependable IT support
• Staff who are now able to focus on teaching and learning, rather than troubleshooting IT

For Katie Bryon, the school’s Computing Lead, the change has had a particularly positive impact. Previously, much of her role involved resolving IT issues caused by inconsistent systems. Since moving to abtec, Katie can focus more on teaching which is the part of her role she enjoys most. Reliable IT support has freed her from constant firefighting, giving her time to concentrate on supporting pupils and staff.

The partnership between Worsley Mesnes Primary School and abtec is built on trust, reliability, and understanding the realities of education IT.

By delivering a secure, consistent, and well-managed IT environment, abtec ensures that teaching and learning are supported every day. The combination of cloud migration, ongoing support, cyber security, and full system management allows staff to focus on education, not IT problems, and Head Teacher Tim Mooney has peace of mind that he has a safe and resilient infrastructure.

At abtec, we work closely with educational organisations to provide secure, reliable IT services that meet regulatory requirements while enabling staff to focus on teaching and pupils to focus on learning.

If you’d like to talk about how we can support your school or educational organisation, we’re always happy to have a conversation.

📩 info@abtec.net
📞 01942 209060
🌐 www.abtec.net