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, using your school email address, 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 coupled with some practical training requires a single 2 hour session. See the Training/Consultancy page for costs.
In order to ensure that schools are able to make the best use of PpiT, our training is set in the context of the processes needed to ensure assessment and tracking help raise standards, as well covering the technical aspects of using the software.
What about setting up PpiT ?
We can provide a setting up service if desired. Combined with a two hour staff training session this normally takes a day. Contact us for details.
If we place an order when will we receive the software?
The software and guidance are available by download from the website or can also be provided on a disc, if required. Discs are sent by first class post, normally within one day of receipt of an order. Passwords needed for software download are normally emailed the same day an order is received. The disc option can be selected on the order form.
Do you provide follow-up support?
Support is included in the licence fee 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 (TT) provides termly tracking and is the key programme; some schools find that this alone meets their needs. PpiT (YT) provides yearly tracking and PpiT (EYFS) provides termly tracking through the nursery and reception years. These 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 (YT) links seamlessly to PpiT (TT) enabling easy importing and data matching. PpiT (EYFS) is a stand-alone programme. There are information leaflets on the Downloads page. If you would like to talk through the options over the telephone, please contact us.
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 is the difference between PpiT EYFS, the e-profile and EYFS statutory profile? PpiT EYFS does NOT duplicate what either the e-profile or EYFS statutory profile do. Rather it provides an easy way of analysing overall progress from Nursery to Reception and across Reception, not just of the whole cohort but of different groups of children. It also enables the impact of different factors on progress to be easily analysed.
What about mixed aged classes and sets?
Pupils in mixed aged classes to be tracked by class, by cohort and by age. Sets also can be easily be tracked by PpiT. Tutorials are provided on how to do this.
Can PpiT track results for EAL pupils, vulnerable pupils or pupils from different ethnic groups?
A range of school based variables can be easily added, such as gender, ethnicity, mobility, EAL level, sets etc. Pupils can be tracked against any of these variables. Tracking against intervention is built into the software.
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.
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 P levels be used?
PpiT allows both the use of P levels for pupils on the SEN register working below Level 1 and 'W' for other pupils working below Level 1.
Can data be easily imported from PpiT (TT) into PpiT (YT)?
Both PpiT (TT) - termly tracker and PpiT (YT) - yearly tracker, have interfaces which allow very easy import of data and matching of records for individual pupils.
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.
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?
Up to ten columns for variables to facilitate analysis can be added. It is important to recognise, however, that 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.
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. However, it can be used to support half termly tracking and a tutorial showing how it this can be done is available.
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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