How can your school meet the KCSiE and DfE standards in 2023?

During 2022, we saw the introduction of the DfE digital and technology standards for schools and colleges for connectivity and cyber security as well as updates to KCSiE requirements. So what were the updates? And how can you meet these standards in your school?

Endpoint Protection as part of the Protect & Connect® package. The software prevents malware and ransomware that leverage known and unknown vulnerabilities.

Router for Life

With our fully managed RFL (Router For Life) solution, your firmware is always up-to-date and if your device breaks - even after the warranty ends - it will be replaced free of charge.

Internet Standards

The new broadband internet standards state schools should: Use a full fibre connection; Primary schools should have a minimum 100Mbps download speed and 30Mbps upload speed; and Secondary schools, colleges and all-through schools should have a connection with the capacity to deliver 1Gbps download and upload speed. Schools should have a resilient connection with a combination of appropriate systems: Back-up connectivity; multiple routers, capable of automatic failover; and alternative power sources for core active equipment

KCSiE Guidelines

KCSiE guidelines state that schools should have appropriate filtering and monitoring in place, with regular reviews of their effectiveness. Your safeguarding software should be informed in part on the risk assessment required by the Prevent Duty and still allow access to appropriate educational content for their age.

Cyber Security

The latest update to the DfE’s digital and technology standards for schools laid out new requirements for cyber security. To meet this standard schools must: Protect every device with a correctly configured boundary, or software firewall; keep firewall firmware up to date; and use anti-malware software to protect all devices in the network, including cloud-based networks

A single, compliant package

We’ve provided schools with reliable internet services for almost 20 years. Combining connectivity with safeguarding and security, our Protect & Connect® makes management and admin easier while ensuring compliance with DfE and KCSiE guidelines.

Connectivity

The package offers a full range of futureproof, full fibre internet connections to suit any school’s needs - from FTTP to 1Gbps ultrafast leased lines, Exa’s network is completely uncongested, ensuring you receive the full bandwidth you pay for at all times.

Content Filtering & Monitoring

At Exa, we believe schools shouldn’t have to worry about whether their online safeguarding solutions will meet KCSiE standards. That’s why we have a team of skilled developers on site to update our SurfProtect content filtering platform. It’s included in our Protect & Connect® package, along with Securus monitoring. When used together, these solutions fulfil KCSiE filtering and monitoring requirements.

Firewalls

Protect & Connect® customers are also protected by Fortinet’s next generation FortiGate firewalls. Choose from a physical device, or a fully managed virtual machine (VM) that ensures you always have up-to-date security.

Antivirus

Antivirus is an essential part of cyber security and schools need to know theirs is up to the job. We can provide Panda

The Exa Foundation

The Exa Foundation provides workshops to educate young people on computing and inspire them to consider a career in tech. Sessions are linked to UK National Curriculum requirements, and can be adapted for a staff CPD programme. Sessions cost £1,000 per day, but for Exa connectivity customers they’re included as part of their package.

How can Exa help?

These new requirements are set out to protect pupils in school, while allowing them the freedom to learn in a safe environment. We want to make it as easy as possible for schools to ensure they are compliant with the DfE guidance. Protect & Connect® can relieve the burden on your staff by having a single supplier for your internet services.

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you’d like to discuss how the Protect & Connect® bundle can help keep your school compliant, email us at sales@exa.net.uk