Innovation, Sustainability, & Security with Chrome Flex with James Earp, Director of IT at PET Trust

This is a conversation with James Earp, Director of IT for the Potteries Education Trust, hosted by Jamie, Executive Chairman of C-Learning, and Chris, Product Solutions Manager for C-Learning, discussing the role of technology, specifically Google's Chrome and Chrome Flex, in educational innovation. James explains that Chrome Flex, which repurposes older devices with a faster operating system, has been a key solution for the trust—an educational provider encompassing primary, high schools, and further education settings in Stoke-on-Trent, with over 4,000 learners and 450 staff—to make budgets go further since replacing multiple IT labs wasn't financially possible. This approach to device longevity aligns with sustainability goals by preventing old machines from ending up in landfills. The trust has also integrated Google Workspace with Microsoft 365, allowing for a single login and synchronicity for users.

On security, James confirms that Chrome and Chrome Flex are vital to their strategy, noting the global absence of known ransomware cases on Chrome and providing a network contingency plan. Their primary school is a heavy Chromebook user, which helps build digital skills from an early age. From an educational experience standpoint, James highlights that Chrome Flex lacks "bloatware," loads quickly, and is ready for teaching. The trust operates in a hybrid environment, using Chrome Flex, Windows, and Macs to meet the varied needs of different curriculum areas. Looking ahead, James states that Chrome Flex is "here to stay" and will continue to grow, serving as a business continuity function. Furthermore, he envisions the trust becoming a hub site to refurbish devices for the less fortunate in the wider community, providing multi-use tools to meet needs such as job searching. Future IT priorities include the growth of AI, as well as a focus on cybersecurity, standards, and compliance with DFE (Department for Education) standards, alongside a cloud-first approach.