1.1 Describe the setting’s policy for the use of ICT for teaching and learning

This guide will help you answer 1.1 Describe the setting’s policy for the use of ICT for teaching and learning.

Every school or educational setting has a written policy for how ICT (Information and Communication Technology) is used in teaching and learning. This policy is intended to guide staff, protect pupils, and make sure ICT is used effectively. It sets clear expectations for staff, pupils, and sometimes parents.

The policy normally covers how ICT supports learning, how it should be used safely, and what is not acceptable. It also explains what equipment or software the school provides, and how staff and pupils should use it.

Purpose of the ICT Policy

The ICT policy has several purposes that support the work of teachers, teaching assistants, and pupils.

• To make sure ICT resources are used to improve pupil progress
• To protect pupils from online risks
• To set clear standards of acceptable use
• To meet legal requirements
• To provide guidance for staff using ICT for lesson planning and delivery

The policy is not just for the classroom. It applies to homework tasks set online, communication with parents using ICT, and use of school devices on trips or home learning.

Supporting Curriculum Delivery

ICT allows pupils to access resources that match their learning needs. The policy explains how ICT links with different subjects and supports teaching methods.

Examples include:

• Using interactive whiteboards for whole-class teaching
• Allowing pupils to use tablets or laptops during group activities
• Accessing educational websites and online tasks
• Using software for maths, literacy, science, and other subjects
• Storing and sharing lesson materials on a secure learning platform

The policy often highlights how ICT can help pupils with special educational needs by offering tools such as text-to-speech or enlarged text options.

Promoting Safe Use of ICT

Safety is a major part of the policy. Safeguarding pupils online is a legal and moral responsibility for the school. The policy will set out clear rules for online safety.

This might include:

• Guidance on safe searching
• Blocking harmful websites or inappropriate content
• Rules for social media use by pupils and staff
• Reporting procedures for concerns about online activity
• Staff training in online safety measures

The policy often requires staff to teach pupils how to recognise and avoid online risks.

Data Protection and Privacy

ICT use in schools involves storing and managing pupil data. The policy will refer to the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. This means staff must take care with information such as names, addresses, medical records and assessment results.

Key parts of this are:

• Only authorised staff having access to pupil records
• Using secure passwords and login procedures
• Never sharing pupil data on personal devices or unapproved platforms
• Encrypting data when required
• Following procedures for transferring or deleting data

These rules ensure the school meets legal obligations and protects private information.

Acceptable Use Rules

Most schools have an Acceptable Use Agreement within their ICT policy. This explains what pupils and staff can and cannot do with ICT facilities. The agreement may be signed by pupils, parents and staff.

Acceptable use rules often include:

• Using ICT for school work and approved activities
• Respecting copyright and intellectual property rights
• Not installing unauthorised software or applications
• Avoiding inappropriate language or content in emails and messages
• Reporting problems or breaches to a teacher or ICT coordinator

Breaking these rules can lead to sanctions set out in the policy.

Equipment and Resources

The policy sets out what ICT equipment and software the school will provide and how these should be cared for.

Examples:

• Interactive whiteboards in each classroom
• School-managed laptops or tablets for pupil use
• Secure learning management systems for homework and resources
• Licensed educational software
• Printers and scanners for project work

The policy may explain booking procedures for shared equipment and rules for storage and charging.

Staff Responsibilities

Staff have specific roles in the safe and effective use of ICT. The policy will often make clear what is expected of teachers, teaching assistants, and administrative staff.

Staff duties might include:

• Planning lessons that make purposeful use of ICT
• Supervising pupils during ICT use
• Making sure ICT activities match learning objectives
• Following safeguarding procedures for online work
• Maintaining security of equipment and passwords
• Reporting faults or risks to the ICT coordinator

Staff are often required to take regular training to keep ICT knowledge up to date.

Pupil Responsibilities

Pupils are expected to follow the rules set out in the Acceptable Use Agreement. This protects equipment and keeps learning safe.

Pupil responsibilities might include:

• Using devices carefully and respectfully
• Logging out when finished with ICT work
• Reporting unsuitable content immediately
• Following teacher instructions for ICT tasks
• Avoiding sharing personal information online

The policy may set clear consequences for pupils who break these rules.

Supporting Pupils with Additional Needs

ICT can help pupils with learning difficulties, physical disabilities, or other additional needs. The policy will often mention inclusive ICT practices.

This might include:

• Providing software that supports literacy and numeracy
• Using speech-to-text tools for pupils with writing difficulties
• Adjusting device settings for visual impairments
• Offering recorded lessons for pupils who cannot attend in person

These points ensure all pupils have access to meaningful learning.

Cybersecurity Measures

The policy covers how ICT is protected against threats such as viruses, malware, and hacking. This helps keep systems running and prevents loss of important data.

Measures can include:

• Firewalls to monitor and control traffic
• Regular software updates
• Antivirus software
• Restricted permissions for installing applications
• Backing up important information regularly

Staff must follow these measures and avoid connecting unauthorised devices to school systems.

Home Learning and Remote Access

Many schools allow pupils to use ICT for home learning. The policy will explain how remote access works and how pupils should behave online outside the classroom.

Guidance often includes:

• Secure logins for homework platforms
• Clear times when staff are available for online contact
• Rules on respectful communication
• Information for parents on supervising ICT use at home

The aim is to keep learning consistent while maintaining safety.

Training and Support for Staff

Staff are usually given ICT training as part of professional development. The policy often explains what training will be provided and how staff can request more support.

Training may cover:

• New educational software
• Safe internet use
• Data protection rules
• Interactive tools for lessons
• Supporting pupils with ICT resources

This helps staff use ICT effectively and safely.

Monitoring ICT Use

ICT use is often monitored to check rules are followed and prevent misuse. The policy will make clear what monitoring is in place.

Monitoring may involve:

• Recording websites visited by pupils
• Checking emails for inappropriate content
• Tracking login activity on school devices
• Reviewing homework submissions for plagiarism

This is done fairly and within legal rules.

Consequences of Misuse

If ICT is used incorrectly or unsafely, the policy sets out consequences. These are designed to protect everyone and reinforce rules.

Sanctions might include:

• Loss of ICT privileges
• Extra supervision during ICT use
• Notification to parents
• Disciplinary action for staff breaches
• Reporting to external authorities for serious incidents

Having clear consequences makes expectations easier to understand.

Involving Parents

Parents are often included in ICT policy communication. They may be asked to support safe ICT use at home and agree to the Acceptable Use Agreement for their child.

The policy may provide:

• Guidance for parents on safe online behaviour
• Instructions for using homework platforms
• Contact points for ICT concerns
• Information on school filtering and safety measures

Parental involvement strengthens ICT safety and learning outcomes.

Review of the Policy

The ICT policy is reviewed regularly to keep up with changes in technology and education practice. Staff may contribute to these reviews by raising issues or suggesting changes based on classroom experience.

Review steps can include:

• Gathering feedback from staff and pupils
• Checking new legal requirements
• Testing new technologies before adding them
• Updating safeguarding guidance

A review cycle keeps the policy relevant and workable.

Final Thoughts

The setting’s policy on ICT use is a practical guide for staff, pupils and parents. It covers learning, safety, responsibilities, and resources. Following it keeps pupils safe, supports effective teaching, and meets legal standards.

When you understand the policy and follow it closely, ICT becomes a positive tool that adds value to lessons and school life. It gives pupils skills they will use in everyday life, protects their wellbeing, and allows staff to deliver lessons in varied and engaging ways. Staff and pupils both benefit when ICT is used with care and purpose.