What is in the school network cupboard?

Know who to contact

Ask IT which cupboard or room contains the equipment that connects the school's computers. This may include boxes called switches and routers.

Find out who maintains it and who can arrange access. The caretaker, office and IT team may each hold part of that information.

Keep the support contact in the usual staff help instructions. Staff should not have to investigate the cupboard themselves during an internet problem.

Keep useful records

The IT team should be able to identify the equipment, where it is and whether it still receives security updates. Your part may be as simple as telling them a cupboard has moved or a room is due for refurbishment.

Include this equipment in purchasing discussions. A new set of laptops may depend on older connection equipment that also needs attention.

Ask for a plain explanation of any recommended work: what problem it addresses, which rooms it affects and what it will cost.

Protect access and space

Follow the school's arrangements for keeping the cupboard secure. Ask IT and site staff what clear space and conditions the equipment needs.

Avoid using it as a convenient home for coats, cleaning supplies or spare furniture. If you notice a problem, pass it to the people responsible.

Never unplug an unfamiliar cable to make room. It may support something elsewhere in the building.

Plan around building work

For example, a classroom refurbishment could affect a cable route or the room holding connection equipment. Tell IT before the work starts.

Ask who will check that the rooms still connect afterwards. Keep the agreed date and contact with the building-work notes.

A useful first step is a short conversation with IT and the caretaker: where is the equipment, who looks after it, and is any planned work likely to affect it?