How should artificial intelligence be deployed in schools?
The Department for Education (DfE) is actively engaging with the potential of generative AI in education, as part of the UK Government AI Opportunities Action Plan.
However, whilst the government promotes a pro-innovation stance, the DfE's approach, as reflected in its updated recent guidance, in practice emphasises a cautious and regulated integration of generative AI technologies in educational settings.
Managing and mitigating risk
This guidance stresses the importance of managing risks, especially when used by students, setting out expectations for stringent measures to mitigate potential negative impacts.
Furthermore, the newly updated UK Government's AI Playbook, which outlines ten principles for AI use in the public sector, reinforces the need for robust AI governance in schools and academies.
AI is a priority area for regulatory focus
Add to this the requirements of Ofsted, who will as well as embracing AI within their own functions, now expect providers to be able to demonstrate their own safe use, the JCQ who expect assessment centres to take action to prevent AI misuse in assessments and the ICO who state that AI is a priority area for regulatory focus.
This indicates that, despite a general encouragement of innovation, there remains a strong directive for schools to implement effective AI governance to prioritise safety and compliance with educational standards and legal requirements.
Innovate with good governance: The best of both worlds
Our team is committed to providing robust yet pragmatic advice to clients on AI governance, with members of the team specialising in AI and data governance.
Our bespoke AI governance support pack gives schools and academies valuable guidance and templates developed by our experts and are on hand to guide clients through successful implementation of AI technologies.
Key contact
Claire Archibald
Legal Director
claire.archibald@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)330 045 1165
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