Answers to common questions from parents and carers
Frequently Asked Questions
Select a question to see the answer. You will find more detail on the other pages in this section.
Getting an iPad
Who gets an iPad?
All pupils at James Gillespie’s High School use a 1:1 iPad to aid their learning. This is part of the Empowered Learning initiative from the City of Edinburgh Council.
What do we need to do before my child gets an iPad?
All pupils joining JGHS need to complete the home school agreement before they get an iPad. A parent or carer fills in the online form, and the pupil also needs to read the agreement and sign it. An iPad cannot be issued until the agreement has been completed in full.
If you have more than one child at JGHS, a separate agreement is needed for each child. See Getting an iPad for the form and agreements.
When will my child get their iPad?
iPads are only set up once the pupil has started at school and a Scottish Candidate Number has been assigned, as it is needed to create the necessary accounts. Once the iPad is ready, it will be left at reception for the pupil to pick up, and they will be notified.
Where can I find help setting up the iPad?
Our iPad set-up guide explains how to set up an iPad.
Passwords and signing in
My child has forgotten a password. What should they do?
- Microsoft password: pupils can get this from reception.
- Apple ID: email JAM-Digital@ea.edin.sch.uk or ask any teacher to reset it.
- Glow: pupils should ask their teacher for their password.
- iPad passcode: the iPad needs to be handed in to be reset. Go to reception and fill in a yellow slip.
More details are on the passwords and sign-in page.
Why can’t my child stay signed in to Glow and CEC Microsoft 365 at the same time?
This is a common issue on iPads. Our Online Study Supports page explains how to sign in to Glow and how to keep both signed in on the same iPad.
Lost, broken or stolen iPads
What should my child do if their iPad is broken or not working?
Go to reception and fill in a yellow slip. The iPad will be repaired, reset or replaced, and your child will be notified when it is ready to collect from reception. We aim to sort issues as soon as possible, but during busy times it might take longer. Please check with reception if you have concerns.
Please do not go to M0.04 for iPad support. See iPad support for the steps.
What happens if an iPad is lost?
The pupil should let us know as soon as possible by filling in a yellow slip at reception. We lock the iPad through remote management, and if it is online it will play a ringing sound. The pupil should keep looking for it at home and at school. If it isn’t found after a period of time, we then look at getting a replacement started.
What if I think the iPad has been stolen?
Please report it to the police and share the reference number with the school.
Is there a loan iPad while mine is being repaired?
No. There are no spare iPads, so no loan devices are available while an iPad is being repaired.
Someone has found an iPad. What should they do?
Every iPad has a unique asset number on the back, linked to the pupil it was issued to. Any iPad found in school should be handed in to reception.
Costs
Will I be charged for damage or loss?
The first instance of damage means we ask the parent or carer for a 50% contribution to the cost of the repair. The first instance of loss means we ask for a 50% contribution towards the cost of a replacement device. Any subsequent loss or damage is charged at 100%.
Charges are added to the parent or carer’s ParentPay account, and they will be notified. Repair time depends on the damage, and once payment is received we aim to return the iPad as soon as possible.
How much do things cost?
Prices for screen repairs, replacement iPads and accessories (case, charging cable and plug) are listed in Repairs and Costs.
My child has lost their charger. What should we do?
Parents and carers should either buy a genuine Apple or Apple-approved charger, or purchase one through the school by emailing admin@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk.
Using the iPad every day
What are the daily expectations?
Pupils should bring their iPad to school charged and ready to use, bring it to every lesson, keep it in the case provided, keep it safe, and only use it in class when the teacher instructs. Pupils can take the iPad home. See Using an iPad.
Does my child learn how to use the iPad?
S1 pupils learn basic digital skills in their Digital Literacy lessons. More digital skills are then taught in Computing lessons in the years that follow.
Can accessibility features be turned on?
Yes. iPads have built-in accessibility features that can be turned on at any time in Settings > Accessibility. The Accessibility section links to Apple’s guides. For help, email JAM-Digital@ea.edin.sch.uk.
How can I help keep my child safe online?
Our online safety page has advice and recommended websites for parents and carers.
Leaving JGHS
What happens to the iPad when my child leaves?
Pupils leaving the school roll should return their iPad, the original charger (plug and cable) and the case. Returned iPads are reset and reused for new pupils and staff. Charges may be added to ParentPay if items are not returned or are damaged. See Leaving JGHS for the steps and costs.
Who to contact
Who can I ask if I have a question?
Email our Digital Team at JAM-Digital@ea.edin.sch.uk. For general school enquiries, email admin@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk.
Can’t find what you need? Email JAM-Digital@ea.edin.sch.uk.