Filtering Checklist

Remember, LGfL provide you with an 'appropriate' filtering system, but it is down to your school to be compliant with the DfE Filtering and Monitoring Standards- LGfL can't do this for you. For example, schools need to ensure they have identified the relevant roles and responsibilities as outlined in the standards, complete an annual review of their systems and approach and risk assess their school community and filter according to this. There is a lot of information available on getting the most from your filtering system here: safefiltering.lgfl.net.

In order to keep children safe without "overblocking" (something mentioned in the Standards), we strongly recommend all schools do the following: (these pointers can also be found here: filteringtoptips.lgfl.net).

Set up user identification with Windows & Chrome agents

The DfE Standards state: 'Your filtering system should not have a blanket filtering profile for all users. As a minimum, student and staff profiles should be in place to provide differing levels of access to online content.' The best way to achieve this is to use the Windows and Chrome agents so every user is identified to SchoolProtect as soon as they are logged in.

Follow the instructions here to set up user identification.

Roll out certificates and enable HTTPS decryption

Without decryption you can only filter and report on website domain names (e.g. www.bbc.co.uk). For the filter to see each page (e.g. www.bbc.co.uk/news), you must install our certificate and enable HTTPS decryption.

Follow the instructions here to install certificates and enabled decryption.

Use the Embedded Content feature

Twitter/X and Vimeo should be blocked for students as they have a lot of inappropriate content, however many schools embed Twitter feeds in their website and many educational resource providers host videos on Vimeo.

The Embedded Content feature can allow specific content where it is embedded on a 'trusted' site such as the school website or educational resource without having to open up the whole platform. This requires HTTPS decryption to be set up and enabled first.

Read more about the Embedded Content feature here.

Use System Bundles to easily allow complex web applications

LGfL has created bundles for common web applications (e.g. Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, YouTube) to make it simple to allow all the relevant URLs for these platforms.

You can also create your own bundles to easily manage blocked & allowed sites for your policies

Information on how to use Bundles can be found here.

Review allowed/blocked categories and URLs

Schools can allow/block individual URLS and overtime this list of entries can build. It is worth reviewing these to ensure they are all still relevant. Take note that most URLs with http:// (not https) will no longer be effective so can be removed.

Likewise, check the allowed and blocked categories are correct for each user group.

Are you carrying out and documenting an annual review AND regular checks?

The DfE Standards stipulate the a review of filtering and monitoring must be made annually and that checks of the systems should be done on a regular basis (we suggest each half term).

To support schools, LGfL have created

an Online Safety Audit (as mentioned in Keeping Children Safe in Education) that schools can use to perform their annual review
a filtering checks template form to download and use
guidance on safe filtering

Make use of free training for DSLs and techs

LGfL offers a 30-minute self service training session for DSLs and in-depth technical training for IT technicians, network managers and MSPs.

Find details of all LGfL training here.

Ensure you are using LGfL DNS to enforce safe search, YouTube mode and additional security

LGfL's DNS servers add a vital layer of protection to enhance both safeguarding and cyber security.

Enforced Safe Search on most search engines
Ability to set YouTube mode
Cyber security protections from the NCSC's Protective DNS (PDNS) service

Understand YouTube Filtering

YouTube filtering is a bit more complicated than most sites because of its scale. Google offer 2 school-safe modes: strict-restricted and moderate-restricted. These attempt to filter out videos unsuitable for children. It is important to understand how the restrictions work and the options you have if videos are not accessible.

Read about YouTube filtering here.