Suppliers that are on the framework are there due to a successful tender made back in 2015.
However, that was over two years ago and it hasn’t been updated since, so many suppliers that are currently offering the best service are not on the Framework. The Guidance for Schools document focuses heavily on value for money (so much so that they abbreviate it to VfM) - how can schools get the best VfM / value for money?
They can do so through their freedom to purchase from any supplier - once the school can provide ‘proof that their procurement processes have been conducted in a fair and transparent manner at all times’ (P. 8, Guidance for Schools on Good Procurement Practices) then they are free to ensure to shop around and ensure they get the best possible deal.!
Many suppliers offer more than just a piece, or pieces, of hardware at a specific price. The best suppliers will discuss your needs, your intended use for the device(s) and how you expect to use them for teaching and learning - as per PDST advice.
Suppliers such as this will be able to guide you based on what they know to have succeeded in other schools, through hands-on experience. There is much more to look for when shopping around than just the lowest price - schools need to shop around for suppliers that understand their needs and their medium to long term development goals; including training, strategy, planning and setup.
Edanu offers free guidance with all sales - all advice is informed by the Guidance for Schools on Good Procurement Practices document, and is based on the Digital Learning Framework as well as the Digital Schools of Distinction criteria. Edanu’s strategic planning will help your school to purchase, plan and build based on these. Get in touch for more information.
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