IJYI was engaged to update the Analysis of Additional Needs Screening Tool (AANT) for Suffolk County Council, which had been in use since 2012. AANT is crucial for early intervention assessments by Educational and Child Psychologists. The existing software was outdated and needed a complete overhaul to a modern Software as a Service (SaaS) platform. Additionally, the council aimed to create a revenue stream by selling the updated AANT software to other councils.
The project involved:
The project commenced with an Inception Workshop led by IJYI, focusing on gathering essential information to define the software requirements. Key business drivers identified included support for vulnerable children across the UK with early psychological interventions to reduce school exclusions.
Secure handling of sensitive data was essential, and the opportunity for revenue generation through sales to other councils and organisations was key.
Using Agile methodologies, IJYI maintained close collaboration with Suffolk County Council, ensuring ongoing communication and progress tracking. The updated AANT leverages Microsoft Azure’s cloud technologies, providing scalable and resilient services with a pay-as-you-go pricing model. The architecture includes Azure SQL DB, Azure Functions, Azure AD, and other advanced services.
Benefits for the client:
The project resulted in a secure, GDPR-compliant system that enhances early intervention for children’s education and wellbeing. Key benefits include:
Enhanced Experience: Empowered staff with comprehensive data for better understanding of children.
Increased Efficiency: Streamlined processes allowing Educational Psychologists to obtain in-depth information efficiently. The ability to generate detailed psychological reports.
Revenue Generation: Active collaboration with other councils for AANT implementation.
Suffolk County Council has successfully modernized its assessment tool, improved service delivery for children and young people, and established a potential revenue stream through software sales. The collaborative approach with IJYI has ensured that the project meets the council’s needs effectively, ultimately enhancing outcomes for children across Suffolk and beyond.