Cyber Security

Cyber security is about protecting the devices we use, and the services we access online from theft or damage. It is also about preventing unauthorised access to the vast amounts of personal data we store on these devices and in online accounts.

A cyber security incident can affect the school’s ability to function, the security of its data and its reputation. Both the school leaders and the governing body will want to ensure they are aware of cyber risks and adequately prepared in the event of a cyber incident. Schools will already be following similar approaches when it comes to managing risks and responsibilities around GDPR and pupil safeguarding more generally.

National Cyber Security Centre, 2025

Crowcroft Park Primary School prioritises cybersecurity, with the Senior Leadership Team, supported by our IT partner Concero, overseeing frequent and rigorous testing to reduce the risk of cyber threats. As a cloud-based school, we ensure all data and systems are securely protected.

HOW DO WE SUPPORT OUR STAFF?

We ensure that school staff receive regular training to keep their knowledge and understanding of cybersecurity up to date. To support this, we use the resources provided by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to train our staff, helping them recognise potential threats, respond appropriately to incidents, and follow best practice for safeguarding sensitive data and systems.

CYBER SECURITY PLAN

Our Cyber Response Plan is part of our overall strategy to keep the school safe and running during a cyber attack. It helps us protect students and staff, and quickly restore normal operations.

The plan includes:

Who to contact if there’s a cyber incident
Steps to reduce disruption
How we communicate during recovery

This ensures everyone knows what to do to keep the school functioning smoothly.

FILTERING & MONITORING

Our school takes digital safety and data security seriously.

We use Smoothwall to filter and block inappropriate online content, and Senso to monitor activity across our network. Within Senso, SLT and the DSL can view alerts showing if anyone has searched for unsuitable terms, allowing the team to respond quickly and appropriately. Smoothwall - IBS Schools

For our iPads, we use Jamf to manage and secure devices, ensuring appropriate usage, app control, and safeguarding measures are consistently applied across the school.

All laptops running Windows 11 are equipped with TPM (Trusted Platform Module) protection. By default, USB devices are disabled to prevent unauthorised data access, and any attempt to tamper with the hardware will automatically trigger BitLocker encryption. This locks the device until a recovery code—securely held by our IT team—is entered, ensuring all school data remains protected at all times.

At our school, we believe that effective monitoring goes beyond technology. While digital tools play an important role in keeping children safe, nothing can replace the care and attention of a responsible adult.

Our staff remain actively involved in supervising children both online and in person to ensure a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for all children.

HOW DO WE SUPPORT OUR CHILDREN?

Cyber Security and Online safety are key parts of how we safeguard our pupils. They’re not taught in one-off lessons or assemblies but are integrated throughout our Computing Curriculum. We also use this knowledge to promote online safety across other areas of the Primary Curriculum, supported by ProjectEvolve.

Cybersprinters

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

What is cyber security?

Little Digital Helps Toolkit