1. Managing your Own Filtering Why a school should manage their own filtering Ian Goverigover@somerset.gov.ukigover@somerset.gov.uk Christine Woodgate cwoodgate@somerset.gov.ukcwoodgate@somerset.gov.uk

2. How does the filter work at the moment? The filtering software, which is included in the cost of belonging to the South West Grid for Learning (SWGfL), has three levels: SWGfL Local Authority (LA) School Items denied at the SWGfL or LA level can be allowed at the school level Items allowed at the SWGfL or LA level can be denied at the school level

3. The School Level? The changes concern the School level filter. The SWGfL and LA filter will remain in place for all schools. No school will be allowed to access the Internet without filtering protection on their internet connection. This change will not remove any of the protection that is already provided. This change is to allow schools greater flexibility in the filtering of Internet sites for their school.

4. Other features controlled at the school level Times of the day The filter can be adjusted so that some sites can be opened at prescribed times of the day. This could be useful for clubs, or to allow teachers to complete work after school Bypassing the filter completely Selected members of staff can be set up to have unfiltered access to the Internet Monitoring Information is available on which Internet sites have been visited by the school.

5. The current situation At the moment all Secondary, Middle schools and a few Primary schools already control their filter. This provides them flexibility in how the internet is used - meaning that they can make changes quickly to protect users, allow sites to be opened to allow for the developing educational needs of their learners, monitor the sites used in the school and allow greater access for staff. The majority of Primary schools have had the school level filter controlled by the Local Authority.

6. The future situation We would like all schools to control their own filtering utilising the easy to use SWGfL software giving them the flexibility outlined. The SWGfL and LA will continue to support all schools in their use of the filtering software.

7. The New Blue Book Offer Because there will be some schools who will not want to control their filter at this time a new Blue Book option will provide them with the increased flexibility found in other schools. This Blue Book option will provide:  An automated system for requesting changes to the filtering.  A five day response turnaround to adjusting the websites allowed or denied at the school.  The provision of Staff Proxies with permission from the Headteacher.  A yearly monitoring report. The cost of this service is £30 per academic year

8. More Information More information and support documentation can be found on the SomersetICT website http://gotoourplace.com/somersetict