Implementing Effective Filtering and Monitoring Systems in Schools

Online safety must start with the right systems in place

Schools and MATs in the UK have a clear responsibility to safeguard pupils from harmful online content, both in and outside the classroom. 

With students spending increasing amounts of time connected to school networks and digital devices, effective filtering and monitoring systems have become a core part of that ongoing responsibility.

Indeed, the Department for Education’s Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) statutory guidance is unequivocal on the issues of online safeguarding – not simply an option but an imperative measure that must be integrated across school policies, procedures and day-to-day operations. This includes having appropriate technical solutions in place that are regularly reviewed and, crucially, fit for purpose.

Filtering and monitoring are different, but both are essential

While they often go hand in hand, filtering and monitoring perform wholly different but critical functions within a school environment. 

At a basic level, filtering restricts access to harmful or inappropriate content by blocking certain websites, search results or online services. Monitoring, meanwhile, keeps a record of online activity – helping schools understand what students are doing online and providing alerts when something may be cause for concern.

Crucially, monitoring systems are designed to detect not only visits to inappropriate websites but also signs of distress, bullying, radicalisation or other behavioural red flags that may otherwise go unnoticed. Together, filtering and monitoring offer schools the visibility and control needed to keep students safe online while supporting their well-being.

KCSIE outlines the expectations, but schools must act on them

While KCSIE might outline what appropriate filtering and monitoring should include, it doesn’t prescribe specific tools. This, then, puts the onus on schools to interpret that guidance and make decisions based on their context, risk assessment and student needs.

As such, school and safeguarding leads must take an active role in understanding how their systems operate, whether the current setup is sufficient, and how regularly it is reviewed. Simply having a filter in place is not sufficient, particularly if software is outdated or easily bypassed. Equally, monitoring is only effective if the data is configured to produce actionable insights – rather than just filed away and ignored.

Guidance also stresses the need for designated staff to be trained in managing online risks, reviewing alerts and responding appropriately – with the long-term goal of building an environment where online safety is treated with the same seriousness as any other safeguarding concern.

Choosing the right technology partner makes a real difference

Filtering and monitoring are only as effective as the systems behind them – and the support available to manage them. This is where a trusted IT partner can be invaluable.

Here at Computeam, we offer a trusted, cloud-based alternative to basic filtering packages. Through Computeam Connect, schools have access to advanced AI software that monitors student online activity and provides meaningfully detailed results. From email contents and search engine habits, to social media activity and cloud documents, Securly’s AI will recognise key red flags that other software has the ability to look over: from negative sentiments to the early indicators of bullying, self-harm, or suicide risk. 

In urgent situations, when every second counts, this critical intelligence is then delivered instantly to either school staff members or DSLs. 

To further improve your school’s safeguarding presence, Securly also uses a mixture of state-of-the-art AI and online specialists, available round the clock, to virtually map students' mental and emotional well-being; alerting the appropriate channels of any concerns. Securly Auditor, meanwhile, uses sophisticated screen and page scanning technology to detect and block unsuitable imagery and the potentially harmful sites that host them.

Embedding online safeguarding into school culture

The technical setup is just one part of the picture. A successful filtering and monitoring system will also support the wider safeguarding efforts of the school, including staff training, clear escalation procedures and ongoing review.  When systems, policies and staff knowledge are all aligned, schools are better equipped to respond to online risks and support pupils proactively – rather than reacting after the issues have taken hold.

Supporting compliance, safety and peace of mind

With the right partner and the right systems in place, schools can achieve both compliance and genuine safety improvements.

Computeam works with schools and trusts across the UK to put filtering and monitoring systems in place that are robust, easy to manage and always kept up to date. From consultation and implementation through to training and ongoing support, we help schools protect their communities and meet their safeguarding responsibilities with confidence.

Need to review your school’s online safety setup?

Get in touch with us to talk about your current filtering and monitoring systems – and how Computeam can help you meet KCSIE expectations with ease.

A clearer strategy leads to better outcomes

Technology can deliver huge efficiency gains, but only when used with intent and a sufficient level of expertise. Computeam works closely with schools to plan IT strategy in line with each institution’s goals, development plans and priorities. If you'd like to know more, please get in touch by clicking the button below.

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