How to review your ICT and internet acceptable use policy

Find out what questions you can ask when reviewing your school's/trust's ICT and internet acceptable use policy. Read our model policy to see what good looks like, and see examples from other schools and trusts.

Last reviewed on 7 January 2026See updates
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Contents
  1. Key facts
  2. Key points to look out for
  3. 4 questions to challenge the policy
  4. Take a look at a model policy
  5. See examples from schools/trusts

Key points to look out for

When you're reading your school's/trust's ICT and internet acceptable use policy, look out for:

  • Clear expectations on how everyone in your community, including parents and carers, should communicate online
  • A list of what constitutes unacceptable use and how users will be sanctioned for it
  • Rules on using personal devices for both pupils and staff, and guidelines for staff using school-supplied devices
  • The arrangements and rules around remote access, if your school/trust offers this
  • An explanation of how the network and ICT facilities will be monitored and filtered

4 questions to challenge the policy

Does the policy reflect any particular challenges our school/trust has been experiencing with regard to ICT use?

You'd expect an answer to explain how the policy has been adapted to cover any specific problems your school/trust has been having, such as aggressive emails from parents or carers.

How do you know if the policy is working as intended?