Al Kingsley of NetSupport leads this webinar; the guide he recommends at the end is NetSupport's own. Published 3 March 2026.
Al Kingsley from NetSupport talks about setting effective digital standards in schools.
The big takeaway is simple: artificial intelligence is a capacity enabler that could help schools do more of the human-to-human work, not add another layer of workload.
What we covered
- Start with the “why”: what are you trying to improve or protect?
- workload and capacity
- safeguarding and filtering/monitoring
- communication and operational grip
- teaching and learning
- Map what you already have before buying anything new.
- What systems are in place?
- How do they connect?
- What is outdated, duplicated, or under-used?
- A practical cycle for digital change (so it’s not just “another initiative”):
- check foundations
- prioritise what matters
- balance opportunity and risk (especially with AI)
- set simple principles and policies
- test before you trust
- keep a feedback loop
- scale what works, stop what doesn’t
Al was clear that AI is becoming part of everyday school life.
The priority for schools is:
- staff confidence
- clear guardrails
- safe procurement and data protection
- evidence of impact (which can include time saved, reduced workload, and better inclusion, not just attainment)
Recommended resource
Al also highlighted NetSupport's own Digital Strategy Guide, which he described as more than 100 pages of checklists and examples from other schools, free to download. It is a supplier's publication, so read it alongside the DfE standards below.
Before you act on it
- The DfE's digital and technology standards for schools and colleges set out what schools in England should meet, including the filtering and monitoring standards that sit alongside Keeping children safe in education.
- For AI, start from the DfE's position on generative AI in education.
- Where a new tool processes pupil or staff data, run a data protection impact assessment and follow the DfE's buying for schools guidance.
Quick question for you
What would be most helpful next in the community?
- A one-page governor questions checklist
- A termly digital standards review template
- An AI policy
