ARAs Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to be implemented into various organisations, the education sector is no exception. Recognising both the opportunities and risks associated with AI, SWGfL has introduced a new AI policy template for schools. This template aims to ensure AI is used responsibly, ethically, and effectively to enhance teaching, learning, and administrative processes. In this article we look at some of the key elements associated with the template and what it ultimately encourages schools to achieve when implementing AI.
Key Aspects of the AI Policy Template
1. Embracing AI for Educational Benefits
The policy acknowledges the advantages of AI in education, including improving student outcomes, streamlining administrative tasks, and reducing teacher workloads. Staff are encouraged to integrate AI where appropriate, ensuring it supports their work rather than replacing human decision-making.
2. Compliance with Legal and Ethical Standards
Schools must comply with UK GDPR and data protection regulations when using AI. AI tools should be vetted to ensure data security, and staff must avoid inputting personally identifiable or sensitive information into AI systems. Additionally, AI should not infringe on intellectual property rights or be used to train generative AI models without appropriate consent.
3. Training and Awareness
Staff and governors should receive training on AI’s advantages, risks, and ethical considerations. This ensures that both educators and administrators are equipped to use AI effectively and responsibly. Learners should also be educated on the ethical use of AI, helping them develop critical thinking skills and awareness of AI-related risks.
4. Responsible Use of AI
Only school-approved AI tools should be used, and staff should operate them through school-provided accounts. Transparency is key—documents, emails, and presentations influenced by AI should include clear labels indicating AI assistance. Moreover, AI-generated outputs must be fact-checked before sharing to prevent misinformation.
5. Safeguarding and Risk Management
The policy highlights the importance of protecting vulnerable learners, ensuring AI does not expose them to undue risks. A designated safeguarding lead (DSL) should oversee AI’s impact on student safety. Risk assessments, including a school-wide AI inventory, will help monitor and mitigate potential security, legal, and ethical risks.
6. Reporting and Accountability
Any AI-related incidents, such as data breaches or inappropriate outputs, must be reported promptly. Schools will maintain clear reporting channels for staff, learners, and parents to voice concerns. Disciplinary action should be taken for misuse of AI, ensuring accountability at all levels.
7. Engaging Parents and Carers
Parents and carers should be informed about AI usage in schools through newsletters, online resources, and school sessions. This engagement ensures that families understand both the benefits and risks of AI in their children's education and can raise concerns as needed.
Addressing Innovation
SWGfL’s new policy template positions schools to harness AI’s potential while mitigating associated risks. By prioritising responsible AI use, safeguarding student data, and ensuring human oversight, the policy aims to create a balanced approach where AI enhances education without compromising ethical or legal standards.
As AI continues to evolve, schools must remain adaptable and proactive in their policies, ensuring AI serves as a powerful tool for learning rather than a source of risk. Through structured training, transparency, and accountability, this new policy template can set a foundation for schools to integrate AI responsibly and effectively.
The new AI policy template is part of the overall suite of template policies and that have all been updated where relevant to take account of the use of AI in schools as well as the updated guidance from DfE on filtering and monitoring and cybersecurity.
Schools are encouraged to revisit their 360 reviews to ensure that they are reviewing OS policy & practice against current standards and guidance.
