A Plan Name is generated automatically but can be overtyped. Select how much of the plan you want to copy from the Data to Copy list. A plan can be copied in its entirety, without student choices, or without students or their choices. Click the OK button to return to the Home Page, where the copied plan is now displayed. Importing and Exporting a Plan It is possible to import and export an Options plan. This functionality enables the local backup of plans and the sharing of example plans for training purposes. To export a plan: Click the Export Plan button below the plan that you want to export. The file is downloaded automatically to the default download location, as determined by your web browser. A confirmation dialog is displayed. Click the OK button. The plan is stored locally and can be sent via email, if required. IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the sensitive nature of some of the data stored in SIMS, careful consideration should be given when specifying the location of any folder into which you save sensitive data, census returns, imported and exported CTFs, etc. You should be mindful of your school’s responsibilities with respect to information security. Consider which users have access to the chosen folder, especially if the folder is shared on a server. Please refer to the DfE website for securing information guidance. If you are in any doubt, consult with your IT Security Officer before proceeding. To import an existing plan: Click the Import Plan button below the Get Started button to display the Open Windows dialog. Locate and Open the relevant file on your PC to import the plan. A confirmation dialog is displayed. Click the OK button. The imported plan is displayed on the Home Page. NOTE: If the imported file contains records for any students who do not belong to your school, these will be removed from the data during the import process. Using the Plan Definition Page The Plan Definition page enables you to set the parameters of the Options plan.
Appendix 25 26 26 29 31 32 Changing the Plan Status The Plan Status is used to help the Options Administrator keep track of progress when creating the Options plan. It can be changed from all pages, with the exception of the Home Page. Click the Plan Status drop-down arrow to display the Change Plan Status drop-down list. The available statuses are defined in the following table. Status Definition Design This is the default status and indicates a work in progress. Active Enables students to make their choices. Review Students can no longer make choices but they can view them. Tutors still have read/write access. Locked Only the Options Administrator has read/write access to all areas. All other users have read-only access. This is designed for when the Options Administrator is working on the plan once all choices have been made. When the status is set to Locked, the ability to transfer the plan to SIMS 7 is enabled. Closed The Options plan has been transferred to your school's main SIMS 7 system. The folder colour on the Home Page changes according to the Plan Status. For example, changing the status to Locked changes the folder colour to purple. NOTES: The status can be set to Locked only when student choices have been made. The status cannot be changed to Closed manually; the status changes to Closed automatically when the plan is transferred to SIMS 7.