Multiplication tables check: IT guidance

11. Introduction

It is a statutory requirement for schools to administer the multiplication tables check (MTC).

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22. Essential technical requirements

The MTC service is intended for use on modern operating systemssystems, (forsuch example,as Windows, macOS, iOS*,iOS* Android) and Android. It is suitable for desktop, laptop and tablet devices. Where pupil devices have restrictions applied to limited trusted websites, you should ensure the MTC service links below are accessible.

*The MTC will not work on iOS12, or earlier, due to the age and limitations of this technology. If your iPad still uses an older operating system, we recommend updating it to the latest operating system available.

MTC service firewall requirements

School staff will access the MTC service via via DfE Sign-in.

The links below are included to support early accessibility checks and you should ensure thesethey are in your network’s list of allowed websites:

• Onceonce staff have signed in to DfE Sign-in, they will select the ‘multiplication tables check’check’* from their list of ‘services’. This will direct to: to: https://admin.multiplication-tables-check.service.gov.uk
• Pupilspupils will access the ‘try it out’ check and official check at: at: https://pupil.multiplication-tables-check.service.gov.uk

Please*If noteyou thataccess ifthe you‘multiplication accesstables thesecheck’ linksservice link before Monday 178 April you will see ‘unavailable’a service messages.closure message. This is correct and means your early accessibility check is successful.

Supporting services

OnceThe aMTC service and pupil startsapplication theneeds checkto oncommunicate theirwith device,supporting theservices.

It applicationis needsimportant tothat communicateyou withensure the following services:services are within your school’s allowed list:

• https://auth.multiplication-tables- check.service.gov.uk—for pupilcheck.service.gov.uk authentication– (youfor should pupil ensureauthentication
• *.windows.net this– isfor withindata yoursubmission
• *.msecnd.net network’s– listfor of allowedMicrosoft websites,Telemetry, notingwhich the service is notmandatory available to accesssupport until Monday 17 April)users
• *.windows.net—for*.googletagmanager.com data– submission

Forfor bothGoogle schoolAnalytics, which is optional and pupilcan applications:

• *.msecnd.net—forbe Microsoftswitched Telemetryon (mandatoryor tooff supportin users)the cookie policy
• administrators

IT support staff should also enable the schoolschool’s network and internet browser to communicate securely over the ‘TLS 1.2’ protocol and ensure secure browsing over HTTPS is permitted (by– by default, this usually takes place on port 443)

*.googletagmanager.com—for the school administration application: for Google analytics (optional, this can be switched on or off in the cookie policy by school users)

443.

Recommended browsers

The MTC has been designed to support common browsers, such as:

• Chrome
• Safari
• Edge
• Brave
• Firefox

Other browsers may also work with the MTC,MTC service, but we suggest you use the ‘try it out’ check, available from Monday 178 April, to ensure your browser can communicate with the supporting services listed above. We recommend that you update your chosen browser to the latest version before pupils take the official check in June.

The MTC will not work on Internet Explorer due to the age and limitations of this browser technology. If your device still uses Internet Explorer, we recommend updating to Microsoft Edge or one of the other recommended browsers that are free to download.

Browser versions can commonly be identified in the ‘help’‘Help’ section in your browser settings.

Using the audio version of the checkcheck: (questionquestion reader)reader

Check administrators can enable an audio version of the check as an access arrangement to meet a pupil’s specific needs. As the pupil application hasis not been designed to be compatible with third party screen readers, the audio version haswas been specifically designed to be compatible with the timing of the questions. However, the MTC audio will not work on any version of Internet Explorer or old versions of Microsoft EdgeEdge, (beforebefore version 14),14, due to the technical limitations of these browsers.

New browsers may also offer text-to-speech services that are an inbuilt option or downloadable extension. These services should be switched off or disableddisabled, to ensure they do not disrupt the pupil’s check.

33. Recommended actions before check administration

We recommend IT staff and check administrators complete the activities below to ensure all pupil devices are prepared for the check and to minimise the risk of disruption.

Are your devices ready to use?

You should ensure that:

• all devices and hardware with a battery are fully charged
• all devices are tested to ensure there are no issues (for– example,for example: slow runningrunning, sticky or missing keys on the keyboard)keyboard
• you have disabled standbystandby, or hibernate (sleep)or sleep mode
• if the device requires a mouse, it is tested to ensure it is fully charged and functioning with the device
• if using a keyboard, all number keys work correctly
• if using a keyboard with a number pad, the number lock is switched on
• if using athe keyboard, all number keys work correctly
• if using an audio version of the check, headphones are tested to ensure the sound is at an appropriate level for the pupil
• if using the QR code on the printed PIN slips to access the pupil app URL, your device has a working camera with a minimum resolution of 480*320 pixels

Is your operating system up to date?

You should ensure pupil devices have been recently been updated and havethat there are no scheduled or automatic updates on the day of the check.

Is your internet working?

You should ensure your internet connectivityconnection is working and stable onat the daystart of theeach check.day you plan to administer checks.

Is your internet browser ready to use?

You should:

• close any unnecessary tabs on the browser and any other applications being used by the device, before the pupil starts taking the check
• ensure the browser is not in privacy (incognito)or incognito mode
• ensure cookies are enabled
• ensure your browser has local storage access enabled
• ensure pop-up blocker software is disabled

44. Further assistance

For further IT assistance, you can contact the national curriculum assessments helpline on 0300 303 3013.

When contacting the helpline, itthey iswill usefulask tofor have information about your device available to assist troubleshooting. Please ensure you can confirm the:

• type of device you are using (for– example,for example: desktop, laptop, tablet or iPad)iPad
• operating system (for– example,for example: Windows, macOS, iOS,iOS Android)or Android
• browser you are using (for– example,for Edge,example: Chrome)Edge or Chrome
• issue with as much detail as possible – if possible, we recommend taking a screenshot

For information about accessing accessing DfE Sign-in, including how to manage users, select the ‘Help’ page available when loggedyou intoare yoursigned account.in. YouIf required, you can also submit a a ‘contact us’ form if required..

Further information about the MTC is includedavailable in thesection 202310 of the 2024 key stage 2: assessment and reporting arrangements (ARA).

Information about administering the check is available in the the MTC administration guidance, which will be updated in April 2023..