What is SchoolProtect?

Summary

SchoolProtect is a network filter that is included in an LGfL Let's Get Digital Broadband subscription. It is a flexible web filter designed specifically for schools, whether a small primary or a large MAT. Based on the industry-standard Netsweeper engine, LGfL have developed this filtering system for over 20 years specifically for schools, meaning it is tailored to schools' requirements to keep children safe online.

SchoolProtect is constantly scanning the internet to categorise URLs and identify harm, and it does so across websites containing over 40 different languages too. Don't just take our word for it! SchoolProtect is also one of the few filtering systems accredited by the UK Safer Internet Centre, giving schools peace of mind that our system is world-class.

Support for DSLs

Keeping Children Safe in Education states that Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) have the lead responsibility in schools for Online Safety which includes filtering. If you are a DSL or Senior Leader and want to learn more about filtering and schools' responsibilities, please check out all the free resources and support here: safefiltering.lgfl.net.

For example:

find out why LGfL's filtering is considered 'appropriate' as per KCSIE (Keeping Children Safe In Education), by checking out our submission to the UK Safer Internet Centre
download and use our filtering checks form
access our free downloadable Online Safety Audit template to complete your annual review as stated in KCSIE
see our Top Tips for Filtering to find out how to get the most out of SchoolProtect
access our free 30 minute self service training

If you are the technical lead in a school/Trust, please ensure that you have discussed with the DSL how to set up and configure the platform to best safeguard the children in your school/s. The DSL should be involved in decisions around what kind of content should be blocked, for which users and why (based on a safeguarding rationale and risk assessment of the pupil population).

Need Help?

In addition to this User Guide, LGfL offer training to both Technical Leads on the install and set up, and DSLs/Senior Leaders on their responsibilities relating to filtering.

Book the Technical training: training.lgfl.net
Access the self-service DSL/SLT CPD: safetraining.lgfl.net

You can also get support with SchoolProtect through LGfL by raising a ticket on the Support Site. You will need to be a Nominated Contact for the school to log a ticket with the support team.

What about Monitoring?

Please note, schools are expected to have both filtering AND monitoring systems in place to safeguard children. LGfL offers a monitoring service too, and the unmanaged version of this is FREE to most LGfL schools, saving schools £££'s!

More information about this can be found here: monitoring.lgfl.net