Microsoft 365 User Adoption for Schools, MATs and Districts

Cloud Design Box

The Microsoft 365 User Adoption for Schools, MATs and Districts podcast is your go-to resource for unlocking the full potential of Microsoft 365 in education. Presented by Cloud Design Box (https://www.clouddesignbox.co.uk) — the UK’s leading provider of education-focused SharePoint, Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365 intranet solutions — this series shares proven strategies, practical tips, and inspiring success stories to help schools, Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and districts boost adoption, streamline workflows, and improve collaboration. Trusted by hundreds of schools, colleges and trusts, Cloud Design Box brings over a decade of experience in helping education organisations successfully implement Microsoft 365. Each episode covers essential topics such as Microsoft Teams for Education, SharePoint intranets for schools, Office 365 adoption strategies, OneNote Class Notebook in the classroom, MIS integration, safeguarding in Microsoft Teams, and digital transformation planning for MATs. Whether you are a trust CEO, headteacher, digital transformation lead, or classroom educator, you will gain actionable insights to engage teachers, support IT leaders, and create a culture where Microsoft 365 becomes a natural, productive part of everyday learning and administration. For free resources, guides, and tailored Microsoft 365 solutions for education, visit Cloud Design Box - https://www.clouddesignbox.co.uk.

  1. AI in Education – Insights from a Year-Long Global Study with The EduTec Alliance

    7 AUG

    AI in Education – Insights from a Year-Long Global Study with The EduTec Alliance

    In this episode of the Cloud Design Box Podcast, COO Darren Hemming is joined once again by Glaucia Rosas and James Wilkinson from The EduTec Alliance to share exclusive insights from their year-long global study on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. With the rapid rise of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT in late 2023, The EduTec Alliance set out to move beyond the hype and uncover the real impact of AI in schools, Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and districts worldwide. The study tested over 250 AI tools across a diverse range of teaching and learning use cases, providing rare, data-driven insights into: The top AI use cases in schoolsPractical approaches to AI adoption in educationChallenges and risks including data privacy, AI literacy, and cognitive offloadingThe rapid evolution of AI technologies and their effect on digital strategies“Virtually all the commercially available tools are front ends of the big Large Language Models (LLMs),” explains Glaucia. “If anything changes on the back end, they have no capacity to do anything but accept that change.” At Cloud Design Box, we help schools and MATs bring structure to the fast-moving world of edtech. From secure SharePoint intranet hubs to compliant Microsoft Teams environments, we work with education leaders to ensure technology is safe, scalable, and aligned with strategic goals. We are Microsoft 365 for education specialists, trusted by over 450 schools and Multi-Academy Trusts to: 📈 Increase collaboration and engagement ⏰ Save significant teacher time and effort 📚 Ensure high-quality, consistent learning resources 🎧 Listen now to learn how AI is reshaping the education landscape and how you can prepare your school or trust. Find out how we can support your school or MAT: www.clouddesignbox.co.uk/contact Follow Cloud Design Box: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/clouddesignboxX (Twitter): x.com/clouddesignboxFacebook: facebook.com/clouddesignboxInstagram: instagram.com/clouddesignboxSupport the show

    18 min
  2. Digital Safeguarding for Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts – Protecting Students, Staff and Data

    14 MAR

    Digital Safeguarding for Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts – Protecting Students, Staff and Data

    Would your school or trust survive a cyberattack tomorrow? With hackers increasingly targeting the education sector, digital safeguarding is now just as critical as physical safety. Without a robust strategy, student data, staff security, and daily operations could be at serious risk. In this episode of the Cloud Design Box Podcast, COO Darren Hemming speaks with Philippa Wraithmell, Founder of EdRuption and author of The Digital Ecosystem, about the growing importance of digital safeguarding in schools and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs). Philippa shares insights from her work helping schools worldwide develop strong digital foundations, governance policies, and security safeguards. Her company, EdRuption, is dedicated to bridging the digital divide by empowering schools with the tools, resources, and strategies they need to create digitally literate and inclusive environments. Key discussion points: Why digital safeguarding is essential in 2025 and beyondThe cyber threats facing schools, from phishing to ransomwareBridging the gap between IT teams and safeguarding leadsPractical steps to protect sensitive student and staff dataHow safeguarding policies must evolve to address online risks“Schools hold vast amounts of sensitive information — dates of birth, locations, parental details — making them prime targets for cyberattacks,” Philippa explains. “That’s why safeguarding has to include digital.” At Cloud Design Box, we help schools and MATs create safe, compliant digital environments using Microsoft 365, SharePoint intranets and Teams for Education. Trusted by over 750 education organisations, we work with leadership teams to: 📈 Increase collaboration while protecting sensitive data 🛡 Ensure compliance with safeguarding and GDPR requirements ⚙ Build scalable, secure IT systems aligned to school strategy 🎧 Listen now to learn how to strengthen your digital safeguarding strategy and protect your school community. Find out how we can help your school or MAT: www.clouddesignbox.co.uk/contact Follow Cloud Design Box: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/clouddesignboxX (Twitter): x.com/clouddesignboxFacebook: facebook.com/clouddesignboxInstagram: instagram.com/clouddesignboxSupport the show

    14 min
  3. Create a digital shield around your school with Multi Factor Authentication

    13 MAR

    Create a digital shield around your school with Multi Factor Authentication

    In a recent episode of the Cloud Design Box podcast, Martin Byford-Rew, Head of Digital Systems at King Edward VI Foundation, discusses the importance of multi-factor authentication (MFA) in schools and the strategies that institutions can use for successful implementation. MFA offers significant advantages in educational settings. By introducing an additional security layer, MFA safeguards against unauthorised access, even if a password has been breached. The rise of cyber threats in education is alarming. And with schools now managing more sensitive digital information than ever before, cyberattacks pose risks to student addresses, financial details, staff information and other personal data tied to HR, Finance and other departments. Schools must elevate their cybersecurity strategies beyond weak passwords and outdated practices. Meet Martin Byford-Rew Martin has extensive experience in education technology, previously working as a Microsoft 365 trainer and consultant. He has collaborated with Cloud Design Box on several SharePoint intranet projects, helping schools and multi academy trusts (MATs) build secure and efficient digital systems. Now, as Head of Digital Systems at King Edward VI Foundation, Martin is leading the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures in schools. What is Mutli Factor Authentication (MFA) for schools? MFA serves as a digital barrier against harmful cyberattacks. Users must log into a system with two or more verification factors, such as emails or accounts. Many of these additional verification factors, such as receiving a taxt code on your phone after entering your password or using Face ID to unlock your phone, are likely familiar to you. You might have also encountered similar verification requests during payments through your banking app. This familiarity can help ease the transition to MFA. Make Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) work for schools While the prospect of rolling out MFA across a school or MAT may seem daunting, Martin shares practical strategies to make the transition smoother. His insights show that the process is manageable and beneficial for the school’s security: Prioritise staff accounts first MFA should be rolled out across staff accounts first, then explore ways to extend MFA to students where possible. “It’s not optional for staff, because there’s such sensitive data that teaching staff have access to. You’ve got to be so careful, because obviously, if any of that stuff leaks out, it’s really, really bad,” explains Martin. Other tools worth a mention Authenticator apps – Use trusted authenticator apps, such as Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator for a secure and easy-to-use option. Hardware security keys – Ideal for staff who need a highly secure, phishing-resistant method. SMS or email codes – These are common but less secure than other MFA options. Schools can’t afford to ignore MFA – so what’s next? As cyber threats advance, schools must adapt. Contact our team of Microsoft 365 experts today to talk about making Microsoft 365 more secure.   Watch the full podcast for expert insights on implementing MFA in schools.  Support the show

    19 min
  4. Building a HR Hub for Education in SharePoint – A Podcast with Spencer Academies Trust

    11 MAR

    Building a HR Hub for Education in SharePoint – A Podcast with Spencer Academies Trust

    Looking to streamline HR processes, improve security, and centralise resources in your school or Multi-Academy Trust (MAT)? In this episode of the Cloud Design Box Podcast, Josh Gibbs, Educational Technology Lead at Spencer Academies Trust, shares how his team transformed HR management with a custom-built SharePoint HR Hub. Josh is no stranger to SharePoint in Education, having previously worked with Cloud Design Box to lead digital transformation projects across multiple schools and trusts. Now at Spencer Academies Trust, Josh is helping to address a pressing need — simplifying HR operations across a rapidly growing MAT while improving collaboration, compliance, and data security. Key topics in this episode: Why a SharePoint HR Hub is the perfect solution for centralising HR resourcesHow to manage permissions effectively without compromising securityOvercoming the challenges of migrating from network drives to the cloudLeveraging SharePoint’s document management, version control, and backup featuresThe importance of staff training to ensure smooth adoptionThe Spencer Academies Trust HR Hub replaces scattered files and outdated network drives with a secure, cloud-based platform. Built in partnership with Cloud Design Box, the hub provides:  📂 A single, structured repository for all HR documents  🛡 Robust security features to protect sensitive data such as contracts and payroll  ⚙ Permission groups based on staff roles for consistent and manageable access control  📈 Comprehensive training resources to boost user adoption and minimise disruption At Cloud Design Box, we specialise in building SharePoint intranets for education that save time, improve collaboration, and strengthen compliance. Trusted by over 750 schools and MATs, our solutions are tailored to the unique needs of education organisations. 🎧 Listen now to see how Spencer Academies Trust built their HR Hub — and how your school or MAT could do the same. Find out how we can support your digital transformation: www.clouddesignbox.co.uk/contact Follow Cloud Design Box: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/clouddesignboxX (Twitter): x.com/clouddesignboxFacebook: facebook.com/clouddesignboxInstagram: instagram.com/clouddesignboxSupport the show

    29 min
  5. Microsoft Classwork: The secret to less stress for teachers

    10 MAR

    Microsoft Classwork: The secret to less stress for teachers

    n a recent episode of the Cloud Design Box podcast, Max Fritz from Microsoft sat down with Darren Hemming to talk about Microsoft Classwork – an innovative addition to Microsoft Teams for Education, designed to streamline lesson organisation, improve student engagement and reduce teacher workload. What is Microsoft Classwork? Microsoft Classwork is a powerful tool within Teams for Education, enabling teachers to structure learning materials into organised modules. With seamless integration into Microsoft Class Notebook and Teams Assignments, Classwork ensures that your learning resources are easy to manage, access and reuse across multiple classes. Darren and Max highlight how Classwork provides a streamlined digital learning environment, making it easier for teachers to focus on instruction rather than administration. “Teachers were using Assignments to share non-graded materials, causing confusion for students and parents. Classwork provides a dedicated space for organising learning resources, making everything clearer,” explains Max. Key features of Classwork that enhance your teaching For teachers, Classwork offers a number of useful tools and features: Drag-and-drop functionality You can quickly organise lesson resources with an intuitive interface. Publishing controls You can decide when students can access content, allowing for better lesson pacing. “Classwork allows you to organise materials that are meant to be consumed and read by students into a logical manner,” Max explains. Pinned modules Classwork highlights key learning materials to ensure students focus on the most important content. As Max points out: “With Classwork, students can navigate resources without confusion, making it easier for them to stay on track with learning.” Reusable modules Teachers can duplicate and modify past lesson structures for future use, saving time and effort. Integration with Teams and Class Notebook Keep all your resources in one place, streamlining the teaching and learning experience. “We didn’t want Classwork to be just another silo. That’s why it integrates deeply with Class Notebook, Teams Assignments, and more,” Max continues. Solving school and MAT challenges For school leaders, Classwork offers a structured approach to improving student outcomes, while ensuring compliance with school policies and Ofsted standards: Better resource management Classwork simplifies how materials are structured, shared, and accessed, reducing administrative overhead and allowing educators to focus more on teaching rather than document management. Scalability across years, classes and departments Schools can reuse and adapt learning materials across different terms, ensuring consistency in curriculum delivery while reducing the need for recreating content from scratch. Data-driven insights into student engagement Integrated analytics provide teachers and administrators with valuable insights into student participation, allowing for data-informed decisions that enhance learning outcomes and identify areas for improvement. Get the most out of your investment in Microsoft 365 At Cloud Design Box, we help schools and multi academy trusts (MATs) in the UK get the most out of Microsoft 365, Teams and SharePoint. By creating a centralised SharePoint intranet, we improve whole-school and trust collaboration, streamline workflows and enhance the learning experience for both students and teachers. Interested in transforming your school’s digital learning environment? Contact Cloud Design Box today to find out how we can Support the show

    29 min
  6. Boosting student confidence with Speaker Coach and Progress | Samantha Fisher, Microsoft Education

    22/10/2024

    Boosting student confidence with Speaker Coach and Progress | Samantha Fisher, Microsoft Education

    Microsoft’s Samantha Fisher sits down with Darren Hemming to explore the exciting new updates in Speaker Coach and the introduction of Speaker Progress. Read the full write-up on our website:  www.clouddesignbox.co.uk/podcast-speaker-coach-and-progress-microsoft ----------------------------------- We are Microsoft Teams and SharePoint for education experts supporting over 450 schools and multi academy trusts to: 📈 Increase collaboration and engagement  ⏰ Save huge amounts of teacher time and effort  📚 Ensure consistently high-quality learning resources  Find out how we can support your school or MAT: www.clouddesignbox.co.uk/contact  ----------------------------------- Connect with us on social ⚡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clouddesignbox/ X: https://x.com/clouddesignbox Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clouddesignbox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clouddesignbox Support the show

    16 min
  7. Streamline your school's digital strategy | Philippa Wraithmell EdRuption

    14/10/2024

    Streamline your school's digital strategy | Philippa Wraithmell EdRuption

    Schools waste money, time and opportunities on systems and platforms that don’t speak to each other. But it doesn’t have to be this way, as EdRuption’s Philippa Wraithmell highlights in this podcast.  Darren Hemming, COO at Cloud Design Box, talks16 with Philippa about the importance of simplicity and interoperability when building your school’s digital ecosystem and strategy.  "If schools don't prioritise building a cohesive digital ecosystem now, we're not just dealing with fragmented tools; we're risking our ability to support every student's unique learning journey and the long-term sustainability of our schools.” - Philippa Wraithmell, EdRuption  About Philippa Wraithmell and EdRuption  Philippa has a rich background in supporting schools to build successful digital strategies, which led her to pen her book The Digital Ecosystem, where she explores the importance of having strong foundations, policies, governance and safeguards in educational systems. Philippa founded EdRuption with the vision to bridge the digital divide in schools globally. The company empowers schools with resources, expertise and innovation to create a digitally literate and inclusive educational environment. Read the writeup here:  https://clouddesignbox.co.uk/podcast-edruption-school-digital-ecosytem/ ----------------------------------- We are Microsoft Teams and SharePoint for education experts supporting over 450 schools and multi academy trusts to: 📈 Increase collaboration and engagement  ⏰ Save huge amounts of teacher time and effort  📚 Ensure consistently high-quality learning resources  Find out how we can support your school or MAT: www.clouddesignbox.co.uk/contact  ----------------------------------- Connect with us on social ⚡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clouddesignbox/ X: https://x.com/clouddesignbox Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clouddesignbox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clouddesignbox Support the show

    27 min
  8. Combatting poor reading literacy with Microsoft Reading Coach | Interview with Anoo Padte

    29/07/2024

    Combatting poor reading literacy with Microsoft Reading Coach | Interview with Anoo Padte

    In this podcast, we speak with Microsoft’s Anoo Padte – the product leader for Reading Coach – about how artificial intelligence is helping create personalised learning experiences and combat poor reading literacy. Find out more:  https://clouddesignbox.co.uk/combatting-poor-reading-literacy-with-microsoft-reading-coach/ ----------------------------------- We are Microsoft Teams and SharePoint for education experts supporting over 450 schools and multi academy trusts to: 📈 Increase collaboration and engagement  ⏰ Save huge amounts of teacher time and effort  📚 Ensure consistently high-quality learning resources  Find out how we can support your school or MAT: www.clouddesignbox.co.uk/contact  ----------------------------------- Connect with us on social ⚡️ LinkedIn:   / clouddesignbox   X: https://x.com/clouddesignbox Facebook:   / clouddesignbox   Instagram:   / clouddesignbox Support the show

    49 min
See All (35)

About

The Microsoft 365 User Adoption for Schools, MATs and Districts podcast is your go-to resource for unlocking the full potential of Microsoft 365 in education. Presented by Cloud Design Box (https://www.clouddesignbox.co.uk) — the UK’s leading provider of education-focused SharePoint, Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365 intranet solutions — this series shares proven strategies, practical tips, and inspiring success stories to help schools, Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and districts boost adoption, streamline workflows, and improve collaboration. Trusted by hundreds of schools, colleges and trusts, Cloud Design Box brings over a decade of experience in helping education organisations successfully implement Microsoft 365. Each episode covers essential topics such as Microsoft Teams for Education, SharePoint intranets for schools, Office 365 adoption strategies, OneNote Class Notebook in the classroom, MIS integration, safeguarding in Microsoft Teams, and digital transformation planning for MATs. Whether you are a trust CEO, headteacher, digital transformation lead, or classroom educator, you will gain actionable insights to engage teachers, support IT leaders, and create a culture where Microsoft 365 becomes a natural, productive part of everyday learning and administration. For free resources, guides, and tailored Microsoft 365 solutions for education, visit Cloud Design Box - https://www.clouddesignbox.co.uk.

Information