Some FAQs

General questions

How can we find out more about PpiT ?
The 'What is PpiT' page on this site gives details about the software and there are brochures on the Downloads page. We are always happy to discuss issues/queries over the telephone, without obligation, and also provide contact details of schools using PpiT if you would like to talk to, or visit a user.

We offer free demonstrations for groups of schools and can provide a free trial of PpiT for individual schools. If you would like a trial copy, and accompanying guidance, please send an email to: ppit@btinternet.com

Do we need training to use PpiT ?
PpiT is easy to use and we provide detailed setting up guidance and a set of easy to follow tutorials covering all aspects of PpiT, which many schools find sufficient. Our training is also popular. An induction requires no more than 2 hours; an induction coupled with practical training requires a single 3 hour session or two separate sessions of an hour and a half each. See the Training/Consultancy page for costs.

If we place an order when will we receive the software?
The software can be sent either on disc or by email. Email delivered software is normally sent the same day the order is received and discs posted the following day, by first class post .

Do you provide follow-up support?
Support is provided and we aim to offer a personal service by email and telephone, as needed. In practice, because PpiT works so well, problems are few and any issues quickly dealt with.

Software related questions

Which programmes do we need to buy?
PpiT (Year) is the key programme and some schools find that this alone meets their needs. PpiT (KS) and PpiT (FS) can be purchased at the same time or added later, if desired. Each programme can be used on its own and combined they provide a complete tracking solution. PpiT (KS) links to PpiT (Year) enabling easy importing and data matching. PpiT (FS) is a stand-alone programme.

What is the difference between PpiT and RAISEonline ?
Raiseonline enables schools to analyse their performance in relation to national averages and similar schools. PpiT enables a school to track pupils in different year groups, and plan and monitor the impact of intervention. Both sets of tasks need to be done by schools. PpiT and 'RAISE' therefore complement each other very well.

What about mixed aged classes?
PpiT enables pupils in mixed aged classes to be tracked by class by cohort and by age.

Can PpiT track results for EAL pupils or pupils from different ethnic groups?
A range of school based variables can be added easily such as gender, ethnicity, mobility, EAL level, sets etc. Pupils can be tracked against any of the variables added. Tracking against intervention is built into the software.

Can targets be changed?
A 2 sub-level target is set automatically for each pupil.  These targets can be changed (increased or decreased) at any time and the colour of the target will change to show expected progress.

Can data be easily imported from PpiT (Year) into PpiT (Key Stage)?
PpiT (Key Stage) has an interface which automatically matches names and assessment results from PpiT (Year) enabling very quick data entry i.e. data for a whole class or cohort can be automatically entered in one go.

Can data be imported from other programmes?
Data is easily importable and exportable in all the PpiT programmes.  Data from other software should be first exported to Excel, from which it can be imported directly into PpiT.

Can we analyse data by more than one variable?
Data can be analysed by any combinations of variable, for example boys receiving intervention (2 variables), summer born boys with special needs (3 variables) etc.

Does PpiT work with Excel 2007?
PpiT works fine with Excel 2007, but there are some important differences between Excel 2007 and Excel 2003. Click for more details. Note also that the way the security settings work is different also. Click here for more details.

Can we enter QCA test data?
QCA data on its own does not provide the best means of tracking pupils. It is better to use teacher assessments informed by test results, where they are available, as per the statutory process for assessment at the end of Year 2. It does not make sense to use teacher assessment in Year 2 and then revert solely to tests in years 3,4 and 5.

Can we add extra columns to be able to record a variety of assessment data?
PpiT is purpose designed tracking software, rather than software to 'warehouse' school records. It is this fact that makes PpiT so powerful yet easy to use. It is not therefore possible to add extra columns since it would add unnecessary complexity to the programmes. We can provide a version, however, of PpiT (Key Stage) which includes the facility to store records, separate from the main tracking function. Contact us if needed.

We want to track half termly, rather than termly.  Can PpiT do this?
PpiT is designed around termly tracking and planning of intervention, which is what most schools follow.  It may be possible to tailor a package to individual needs – contact us with your request.

What about tracking in Year 1?
At the start of Year 1 teachers should use the assessment information from the reception class to plan work.  However, by around the Autumn half term, teachers need to assess pupils, using national curriculum levels and sublevels.  This 'summative' assessment in reading, writing, maths and science will give a 'baseline'  assessment for the key stage.  It is NOT necessary to use a test, but teacher assessment should be underpinned by moderation.

 

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