Ofsted feed update

In May, we provided information regarding the planned update that Ofsted are making to the Family Information Directory (FIDy) service that they provide.

Read the original post

In a change to our plan, we are intending to connect to the new service in the first half of 2024. This is to make sure that we can support a smooth switchover and our original position, allowing time to pass to mitigate risk of running in to issues that sometimes occur when using a new service.

Ofsted have sent a new Code of Connection form, what should I do?

The new, updated Code of Connection (CoCo) form (parts 1 and 2) has been drawn up in preparation for onboarding local authorities to the new FIDy connection, which is considered a new and separate service.

You may wish to complete these now and send to Ofsted with the intention of connecting in the first half of 2024. This may save some administration time later.

We have prepared a templated version of the new CoCo form (parts 1 and 2) with our responses and which you only need add your local authority’s specific details.

Please contact our service desk team to request the latest CoCo form (parts 1 and 2).

When the time comes to schedule the switchover, we will be in touch with each local authority individually to discuss a timeframe.

What is changing?

The service that Ofsted uses to deliver their data is being modernised. Any party already receiving their data using the current service will need to switch to the new service to make sure that they continue to receive data after Ofsted switch off the current service. 

We are in contact with Ofsted regarding the specifications and technical detail of switching to the new service.

It’s also important to note that the data itself is not changing.

When are Ofsted switching off their current (legacy) service?

December 2024.

Best regards, The Idox Directory Platform Team

Extending Early Years Funding

For those customers who use our Funded Early Learning (FEL) module (aka ‘2 Year Old Checker’), we’re consulting with you on changes following the 2023 Spring Budget.

The early education and childcare entitlements for eligible working parents in England will be extending in a phased rollout from April 2024.

We’re proposing a change to accommodate the update in legislation and we’ll be writing to customers who use our FEL module with details on our plans.

The consultation is also available via the following link: https://idoxgroup.aha.io/shared/0800489436bf326f1a62016b59cebf15

The Idox Directory Platform team

New Open Referral UK API for Directory

As discussed at our user forum earlier this year, we are busy developing our new UK Open Referral API that will enable you to share your directory data in a consistent and secure way with other platforms.

As we near the completion of our build, we are now engaging customers to be early adopters. Please contact your account manager, Conrad Maskell or Richard Mullins, for pricing details and further information.

Alternatively, you can email socialcare@idoxgroup.com and someone from the team will be in touch as soon as possible.

The Idox Directory team

Ofsted Certificate Updates

We are aware that several Local Authorities will have been contacted by Ofsted and issued with a new certificate for their Ofsted feed.

Ofsted will normally send the Local Authority a link to access their new certificate (Zip file).

Please be aware that Idox cannot access these certificates via this link. This link is only accessible to the Local Authority.

If you have been issued with a new Ofsted certificate, please follow these steps so that we can update your Directory Ofsted feeds:

  1. Download the new certificate (Zip file) via the link sent to you by Ofsted
  2. Please log a new ticket with our Service Desk titled “Ofsted Certificate Update”
  3. Upload the certificate (Zip file) to the Service Desk ticket. If you know when your current certificate expires, please note this on the ticket
  4. Please also include the certificate password that Ofsted have provided you with

Our teams will then update your certificate as soon as possible.

The service desk team can be contacted via the following methods:

New in May and June

Our team have been working on some wonderful Directory updates and refreshes in May and June.

We thought our community would like to have a look:

We welcome Cambridgeshire County Council and their new Local Offer https://send.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/

Liverpool‘s eye catching and comprehensive Start for Life offer https://fisd.liverpool.gov.uk/

Gloucestershire have a new look GlosFamilies Directory https://www.glosfamiliesdirectory.org.uk/

Sandwell have a refreshed Family Information Service Hub https://fis.sandwell.gov.uk/

The Directory Platform team look forward to hearing feedback from citizens and applying that to our future projects.

Ofsted feed update

Ofsted have recently contacted local authorities to give an update about the planned changes to the Family Information Directory (FIDy) service that they provide.

We directly take a feed of data from Ofsted for a large number of local authorities and so would like to take this opportunity to share our plans. The information below will also inform your responses in the form that Ofsted have asked be completed.

What is changing?

The service that Ofsted uses to deliver their data is being modernised. Any party already receiving their data using the current service will need to switch to the new service to make sure that they continue to receive data after Ofsted switch off the current service.

We are in contact with Ofsted regarding the specifications and technical detail of switching to the new service.

It’s also important to note that the data itself is not changing.

When are Ofsted switching off their current service?

December 2024.

When will the new service be available?

Ofsted are aiming for 30 June 2023.

Are Idox intending to connect to the new service as soon as possible?

No. Our view is to allow a little time to pass to mitigate risk of running in to issues that sometimes occur when using a new service.

Our aim is to use the new service in the September to December period.

Thurrock’s Start for Life

We’re delighted to share a new Start for Life piece which is the latest addition to Thurrock’s Young People & Families Directory.

There is a focus on supporting expectant parents and children aged 0-2. This is called the Start for Life Local Offer and citizens can find out what’s available in each locality.

It takes centre stage on the homepage, which you can see by clicking this link: www.askthurrock.org.uk

Or, jump straight to the Start for Life offer by clicking this link: https://www.askthurrock.org.uk/kb5/thurrock/fis/startforlife.page?startforlifechannel=0

Google Analytics 4

Do you have a Google Analytics code linked to your Directory website?

If you do, Google are making a change from 1st July 2023 which will affect the way data is collected.

Do Idox need to change our Directory website?
No. In most cases the change can be entirely administered via the Google Analytics dashboard by any person with access to the account and who has the editor role.

What is the change and what do I need to do?
Google have prepared information explaining the change. We’ve included 2 of the most helpful links, below:

“Introducing the next generation of Analytics, Google Analytics 4”
https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/10089681?hl=en

“Add a Google Analytics 4 property (to a site that already has Analytics)”
https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/9744165?sjid=2481984538130922643-EU#zippy=%2Cin-this-article

If you need to check anything with us, or need to change the associated Google Analytics code in your Directory website, please contact our Service Desk team by email servicedesk@idoxgroup.com or online portal https://customer.servicedesk.idoxgroup.com/idoxsd

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Did you know?

Did you know that you can crop your uploaded images, in Media Manager?

If you want to use a stock image but need all your images to be square, for instance, you first have to upload a suitable image (big enough to be able to fill the space) and then the Media Manager crop tool allows you to make a trimmed down copy, to be used on your page.

Simply click and drag to select the area to crop.
If you make a mistake, the crop can be reverted easily, simply by clicking the “Revert image” button that appears.

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Our Town Directory

Wigan Council is the latest of our customers to go live with a brand new website, built on our latest wireframe.

The project evolved their established Family Information Service Hub into an All Services Hub, branded Our Town Directory.

Check out their new site here: Wigan All Services Hub