Hi. I’m James.
I’m a former primary school teacher and computing lead. I also have a background in the computing industry.
So I know my PHP from my Python but the phrase “computing deep dive” still sends a shiver down my spine.
I’m a teacher with an understanding of (1) what primary schools need and (2) what technology is out there to meet that need.
In short, if you have a question about any aspect of computing in primary schools,
get in touch and I’ll do what I can to help you.
I have nothing to sell, I just give impartial advice because I know schools need it.
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Free computing support for schools
Primary educators want to make a difference in the lives of the children under their care. It became clear to me that the way I could do this most effectively was to support primary schools with technical computing advice as there are simply too few genuinely impartial avenues for them to turn to.
How much will it cost?
I offer all of my services to schools for free. I do not make money from schools – not through directly charging them, nor from earning commissions by recommending other companies, goods or services. I keep my own revenue streams separate from what I do for schools to ensure total impartiality. My goal is always to equip schools with the skills and understanding to be able to recognise and solve their own computing issues, while I remain at the other end of the telephone whenever I’m needed.
How can schools trust that you are 100% impartial?
It’s actually really hard to offer something for nothing. People (rightly) think, “What’s the catch?”
I thought for a long time about how to provide this service for schools without it costing them. I want to become someone you can trust to give you good advice and know that I have no ulterior motive. The best way for me to earn that trust is by being completely transparent about how I earn money outside of this site and show you how this site (and all of my school support) is funded entirely from my work on helpfromjames.co.uk.
What are you getting out of it and how can it be free?
The way I earn a living is separate from my work for schools. I have the independent advice site helpfromjames.co.uk, which generates revenue for me based on the (again, impartial) advice I give individual users. My revenue stream is completely dependent on me and my reputation. I am completely open about this with schools. By doing a completely impartial, unbiased and, more importantly, good job for schools, I can generate more trust in the HFJ site which in turn will increase my revenue there.
So what specifically do you offer?
1) I advise primary schools on buying, replacing, auditing and updating computing hardware and infrastructure. This includes support in developing a long-term budgeting plan for hardware.
2) I support teachers in their effective use of technology, both in terms of their own productivity and modelling effective use for their children.
3) I support teachers in delivering an effective computing curriculum and with digital safeguarding.
4) I assist schools in managing remote learning and help them effectively support parents.