AI Tool Compliance Checklist For Schools

AI within education is growing by the day and ensuring that we use AI in a data safe way is critical for ensuring that schools remain vigilant in ensuring the AI tools they adopt are both effective and compliant with data protection laws.

Trying to navigate the sometime complex world of data protection can be challenging for staff within schools due to it’s evolving nature before we even think about adding in this new world of AI tools. However by ensuring that GDPR and ethical considerations at the forefront of implementing educational technology is key for remaining compliant, data safe and innovative.

This AI Tool Compliance Checklist provides a clear, actionable guide for schools to evaluate AI tools before implementation. It will walk you through the key steps to ensure any new AI solution not only enhances learning but also safeguards student data.

What does the DFE guidance say?

The DfE’s guidance emphasises that schools must carefully manage AI’s use, particularly regarding data privacy and protection. It outlines risks such as AI tools learning from or storing personal data, especially with open systems. Schools are advised to implement strict policies, consult their Data Protection Officer (DPO), and carry out Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).

Schools should ensure transparency about how personal data is processed, especially with open AI tools that may store or learn from input data. Closed AI tools are more secure, but schools must still ensure compliance with data protection laws, including updating privacy notices if personal data is used. It also stresses the importance of fact-checking AI-generated content.

For further details, check the full guidance here.

What Does This Checklist Cover?

The new AI Tool Compliance Checklist provides schools with a clear, structured approach to evaluating AI tools for GDPR compliance and data protection. It includes categories such as

✅ Understanding data handling
✅ Assessing the tool’s nature
✅ Ensuring transparency
✅ Validating outputs
✅ Ensuring accessibility

Plus much more…

The checklist also emphasises the need for schools to consult with Data Protection Officers, conduct DPIAs, and ensure the AI aligns with educational goals.

How Else Can I Support You?

AI is here to stay and being able to embrace the change across education is critical for the future learning and development of both pupils and staff. I help schools and trusts maximise the potential of AI tools by ensuring they are used effectively, ethically, and in line with the wider digital strategic vision. Why not get in touch to see how I can support with tailored guidance on integrating AI into curricula, support with assessing tool compliance with regulations, and ensuring AI solutions enhance student learning while safeguarding data privacy.

What to find out more or want to share feedback? Why not message me via my social media page @MrJSmithson_Edu, via LinkedIn or my contact page.

Learn How I Can Support You? Click Here

Want to share your insights?

I am looking for a range of case studies and real-life insights on how technology is being used in SEND education covering both highly bespoke and off the shelf technology. I am also looking to have a range of discussions with SEND specialists around barriers to learning, barriers to staff upskilling and insights into how they have used technology to unlock key experiences for their learners.

If this is something that you would be willing to support with or are able to share key case studies/insights from your work, please email research@jordansmithson.com

This work by Jordan Smithson is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International