On 2 October 2008 we launched a database-driven, content managed website for CfBT Education Trust, working on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families
The website is aimed at teachers, local authorities and those in the education sector. It contains advisory content developed by educational experts and content added by users to the front-end of the website (i.e. front-end content additions). Our job was to produce a clear navigation and information architecture, develop the online branding and innovative design. The underlying prerequisite of compliance to full accessibility standards was imperative.
We developed a website with over 400 pages and over 300 download files that runs on a CMS – but is now far larger as significant content has been added since the launch. We are currently working on a number of additional features to further enhance and evolve the website.
The CMS is based on the third-party software application, Kentico CMS, upon which we built bespoke functions. We then provided tailored training and associated manuals for CfBT staff. We also organised the hosting on a dedicated server with our preferred partner, DediPower, and we act as both the financial and technical conduit for this relationship.
The website has been very well received and has successfully achieved all its objectives, whilst maintaining compliance with government standard accessibility standards.
Results? According to the Google Benchmarking service, which compares hundreds of websites of similar size, compared to other “Educational Resources” websites LOtC has had: 53% more visits and 163% more page views than the average and visitors spend 50% more time on the website visiting 72% more pages/visit.