Discover how schools can easily comply with the Department of Education's Digital Standards to make informed technology decisions and enhance learning opportunities for students.
The Department for Education (DfE) recently released new standards for “digital leadership and governance," as well as for “laptop, desktop, and tablets”. These standards are crucial for schools seeking to leverage the right digital infrastructure and technology effectively.
Benefits of Adhering to the DfE Standards
Complying with the DfE Digital & Technical Standards offers several benefits for schools. Firstly, it fosters safer practices by ensuring that technology infrastructure and equipment meet the necessary security and data protection requirements. This helps schools protect sensitive information and maintain a secure learning environment for students.
Secondly, adhering to the standards promotes more cost-efficient practices. By following best practices in technology procurement and maintenance, schools can optimise their use of resources and minimise unnecessary expenses.
Lastly, complying with the standards unlocks new learning opportunities for students. By utilising technology that aligns with the DfE standards, schools can provide students with access to innovative tools and resources that enhance their learning experiences.
Who is Involved?
The DfE Digital & Technical Standards are to be used by everyone involved in the planning and use of technology within schools and colleges. This includes senior leadership teams, IT staff, suppliers, technical advisers, and teachers.
To meet these standards, schools and colleges should read each technology category and its corresponding standards. They should then review their current compliance and identify any areas where improvements are needed.
If a school or college is not currently meeting the standards, it is recommended to speak with their ICT supplier or in-house support team to explore potential solutions and actions that can be taken to meet the requirements.
Meeting the IT service and digital equipment standards is essential for schools and colleges to ensure the effective and efficient use of technology in education.
Leveraging the Standards for Smarter Technology Decisions
By leveraging the standards, schools can make informed decisions when budgeting for technology procurement and maintenance. They can also make better choices when purchasing technology equipment and services, ensuring that they meet the specific needs of the school and its students.
Furthermore, the standards can help schools in renewing contracts with technology providers, ensuring that the offerings align with the school's requirements. Proper installation of new equipment is also emphasised, ensuring that schools can maximise the benefits and functionality of their technology investments.
Next Steps for Schools and MATs
To assist schools in complying with these standards, 9ine has developed a free cloud-based DfE Digital & Technical Standards Toolkit.
The toolkit allows schools to assess their compliance with the standards, identify any gaps, and formulate actionable plans to bridge them. It provides a collaborative platform for aligning technical requirements with educational outcomes and facilitates discussions and decision-making regarding budgets and resources.
By utilising the DfE Digital & Technical Standards Toolkit, schools can make smarter technology decisions, foster safer and more cost-efficient practices, and unlock new learning opportunities for students.
You can also book a meeting with one of 9ine’s expert team members to learn more about the toolkit and its functionalities. Once registered, schools and MATs can use the toolkit to assess their compliance with the standards, identify gaps, and create actionable plans to bridge them. The toolkit provides a collaborative platform for aligning technical requirements with educational outcomes and facilitates discussions and decision-making regarding budgets and resources.
By taking the necessary steps to comply with the DfE Digital & Technical Standards, schools and colleges can enhance their technology infrastructure, make informed decisions, and provide better learning opportunities for students
Let’s Stay in Touch
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive product announcements & other updates.
