Summary
The Department for Education (DfE) has recently published comprehensive new guidance on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools and colleges. This marks a significant step forward in helping staff, leaders and governing bodies harness AI’s potential while maintaining robust safeguarding, data protection, and compliance standards.
As AI tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini become increasingly accessible, HR professionals in the education sector have an important role to play in setting clear expectations for safe, ethical and effective use.
DfE guidance: A whole-school approach to AI
The new DfE guidance, released on 10 June 2025, offers a structured approach to using AI in education settings. Key elements include:
- Staff training modules to build understanding of AI tools, risks and safe use.
- Practical classroom examples of how AI can reduce teacher workload.
- Mandatory safeguarding and compliance content for all staff using AI.
- Leadership toolkits to support digital strategy development and risk assessment.
- A clear message that AI should support—not replace—teachers and staff, with human judgement always taking priority.
This is not just about technology—it’s about creating a culture where AI is used responsibly, in line with your School's values and duties of care.
What should you do?
To support the safe and strategic adoption of AI in your School or Trust:
- Review the DfE guidance with your SLT, safeguarding lead and IT team.
- Roll out appropriate staff training, especially the mandatory safe use module.
- Adopt or adapt the Model AI Acceptable Use Policy and embed it in your Code of Conduct or IT policies.
- Ensure staff understand their responsibility to verify and review all AI-generated outputs.
- Audit existing use of AI tools in your organisation and update your risk register or digital strategy as needed.
New Model Policy for the Acceptable Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
To help you translate this guidance into practice, you should refer to our newly released Model Policy for the Acceptable Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This policy has been designed specifically for schools and trusts, and can be adopted or adapted to:
- Set clear expectations for safe and ethical AI use by staff.
- Ensure compliance with the UK GDPR, data protection law, and child safeguarding standards.
- Encourage AI to be used for appropriate tasks—such as drafting lesson materials or streamlining admin—while maintaining oversight.
- Provide a framework for monitoring, reviewing and responding to any inappropriate or unsafe use.
Useful links
Further information
The safe and responsible use of AI is not a future issue—it’s a current one. School leaders are in a prime position to help schools embrace innovation without compromising safeguarding, ethics or legal compliance. By embedding good practice now, we can ensure that AI is a tool for teacher empowerment, not risk. If you’d like support reviewing your policies or have further questions, please get in touch with your named People Adviser—or contact us directly via the
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