Acceptable Use Policies

This section covers both school and local authority AUPs. Policies for other settings are in the course of preparation.

1. School Acceptable Use Policy guidelines

An Acceptable Use Policy for the use of technology should be prepared by each school according to its needs. It should be written in a language appropriate to the audience and needs to cover the points identified below. It is not considered appropriate for a school to adopt another's AUP and for this reason, guidelines only are provided.

Please note that the local authority is required to monitor the provision of a school AUP and will sample a number of schools each year.

It should be updated annually to encompass changes in the developments of technology.

Downloading or accessing materials that may be offensive to others.
How to deal with inappropriate materials.
Use of software and resources that are appropriately licensed.
Breach of copyright.
Compromising the network by using unsuitable (unchecked) resources or equipment.
The use of up to date anti-virus software on any PC or laptop connected to the network.
Keeping personal details and passwords private.
Only using personal digital cameras/phones when approved.
e-Safety issues are embedded in all learning.
Role of e-safety induction for all staff and volunteers.
Importance of internet usage logging and (where installed) e-safety monitoring.
Code of practice for the use of e-mail and which e-mail systems may be used.
The school AUP extends to include the local authority network.
Failure to comply with the AUP can result in disciplinary action.

The DCSF has published an AUP as a case study in the Cyberbullying guidance, see

Teachernet AUP Case Study

Check out Becta AUP documents, see

AUPs in context: Establishing safe and responsible online behaviours New!

2. The Local Authority Acceptable Use Policy

Staffordshire County Council's (SCC's) intentions for publishing an ICT Acceptable Use Policy are not to impose restrictions that are contrary to theCouncil's established culture of openness, trust and integrity. SCC is committed to protecting its users, partners, contractors and the County Council from illegal or damaging actions by individuals, either knowingly or unknowingly.

Systems, including but not limited to, computer equipment, software, operating systems, storage media, network accounts providing electronic mail, internet browsing, are the property of SCC. These systems are to be used for purposes in serving the interests of SCC, our partners and customers in the course of normal operations.

Effective security is a team effort involving the participation and support of every SCC employee and affiliate who deals with information and/or information systems. It is the responsibility of every user of SCC systems to know these guidelines, and to conduct their activities accordingly.

Please note that any paper copy of the Acceptable Use Strategy is only valid for 24 hours following publishing. Always consult the online version.

It is only available to SCC staff other than in schools, ie those who have intranet access. See:

http://www.intra.staffordshire.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/C47D67F9-DBA6-4D33-A164-8A04B631AF77/43850/ICTAcceptableUsePolicy.pdf

Last Modified: 29/07/2009 08:46:47
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