Since the introduction of EastNet, The ICT Service has moved schools which were using its web-filtering solutions to the new ‘Smoothwall’ filtering platform. Smoothwall offers more opportunities to control web-filtering at school level and The ICT Service wants to support schools and Trusts to make the most effective use of the platform.
Smoothwall supports existing Safeguarding policies but, through the provision of ‘Delegated Admin’, allows schools and Trusts to modify aspects of their web-filtering. It does not change the existing Safeguarding responsibilities of any setting.
Smoothwall supports existing Safeguarding policies but, through the provision of ‘Delegated Admin’, allows schools to modify aspects of their own web-filtering. It does not change the existing Safeguarding responsibilities of any setting.
These links guide you to carry out web filtering and reports for your setting. The ICT Service can schedule requsts to complete this work for you, but if you’re needs are more urgent, your delegated admin access enables you to manage these yourself.
You’re setting is likely to have been provided with a delegated adminstration account. This account allows you to access to the Smoothwall Cloud Portal.
These resources will help you to complete these tasks or you can contact the support team and the work will be scheduled based on the details you provide.
*If you have not been provided with a delegated adminstration account, scroll down to submit a request using the form below.
All blocking and unblocking of sites and report options are managed by the MAT.
Please refer to your MAT lead.
Access Request to Block and Allow sites for your school/MAT
Because of the safeguarding implications, access to the Smoothwall Portal needs to be authorised by the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or the Head of your setting. Complete the linked form with your details and those of the Head/DSL who we will contact to confirm that your are authorised to carry out this role for your school/MAT.
Logging in to the Cloud Portal
Maintained schools: You will have been provided with delegated adminstration account for your school. This account allows you to access to the Smoothwall Cloud Portal.
MAT and Academy Schools: All blocking and allowing of sites and report options are managed by the MAT. Please refer to your MAT lead.
Blocking and Allowing Sites
Web filtering provides an essential safeguarding provision for schools.
You should only allow a webpage when you are certain that allowing it will not put any users at risk.
It is strongly advised therefore that
- When blocking a site, the description field is used to record the name of the person that requested the block
- When allowing sites, that this is internally agreed with your key safeguarding personnel in accordance with your acceptable use policy.