In this newsletter,we continue with more support around web filtering as well as information about what the Online Safety Act means for schools and we end by highlighting some fabulous resources from partners.

NEW TEMPLATE: Filtering Checks

As per KCSIE and the DfE Standards, schools are expected to complete regular checks of the filtering system in place to ensure it is working as expected on all devices and for all users.

We already have lots of free support, advice and training available to schools about filtering, and now we've developed a free template for you to download and use to record your regular checks.

HomeProtect - Filtering Reports

HomeProtect is our filtering system used for school devices that are used remotely.

For schools using HomeProtect, please ensure you have activated logging so you can run regular or ad hoc reports. Simply follow these instructions (or pass to your technician) to ensure you can run a filtering report when you need to.

The Online Safety Act and Schools

The Online Safety Bill received Royal Assent recently and the new regulator Ofcom has produced guidance and codes of practice.

These cover new offences such as cyberflashing and deep-fake pornography and the duty of care on tech companies to protect children from harmful content.

If you didn't see our article about the changes in SchoolsWeek, check it out to see what it means for schools as the changes take shape. Remember it will affect the online harms your pupils face so it may be helpful to inform pupils and parents of what is happening. Let us know how we can support you with this.

Kent Police and Life Lessons have created a resource to spread awareness of Digital Sexual Exploitation. The resource includes:

• A video bringing the crime to life
• A free lesson for all schools to use with pupils

Best of the Rest

1. Watch Ofsted's webinar on how they inspect safeguarding in schools: https://educationinspection.blog.gov.uk/2023/11/09/how-we-inspect-safeguarding-in-schools/
2. Common Sense Media launches AI ratings - https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ai 
3. Significant updates have been made to this DfE guidance regarding Child Criminal Exploitation - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-exploitation-of-children-and-vulnerable-adults-county-lines
4. FREE Media Literacy Champions Training for Secondary teachers and free resources - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-media-literacy-training-for-secondary-school-teachers-tickets-717141177567?aff=oddtdtcreator 

Got any questions? Email us for support - safeguarding@lgfl.net 

Mark, Mubina and Alex

Your LGfL SafeguardED Team