DfE - Digital Standards - Updated January 2024

[Zoom7000]

⭐️ The DfE has just updated the advice on "Meeting digital and technology standards in schools and colleges"

 

The updates include new guidance for the following:

➡️ Digital leadership and governance standards

➡️ Laptop, desktop and tablet standards

 

You can read the updated guidance here:

📝 bit.ly/dfestandards

[ITGuyNW]

Does anyone know if this guide can be found in a better format somewhere?

[Zoom7000]

Does anyone know if this guide can be found in a better format somewhere?

 

The ANME has printer friendly versions on their site: https://anme.co.uk/dfe-standards

[TechMonkey]

Shame it isn't available as an Excel or CSV format. Would make using it a lot easier!

[timbo343]

Shame it isn't available as an Excel or CSV format. Would make using it a lot easier!

 

I've just updated my Google Sheets with the new Jan 2024 standards here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cxFAiQWigdbH1rWc0e-OZrG8zD_ctVb6?usp=drive_link

[TechMonkey]

That is fantastic! thank you! I was going to do something similar, but no need to reinvent the wheel.

[RichCowell]

TechMonkey said:

Shame it isn't available as an Excel or CSV format. Would make using it a lot easier!

 

We also have a RAG Rating Tool on our Portal, which allows you to log/track and save your progress on the standards...

[enjay]

The hardware ones are kind of obvious, "make sure equipment is at or above minimum spec", but the governance one sees the creation of an "SLT digital lead" who has strategic responsibility and oversight of some operations. Other than the requirement to be on SLT, the things listed for that person are mostly within my job description, so I'm not sure how this will play out.

[paulkerton]

The hardware ones are kind of obvious, "make sure equipment is at or above minimum spec", but the governance one sees the creation of an "SLT digital lead" who has strategic responsibility and oversight of some operations. Other than the requirement to be on SLT, the things listed for that person are mostly within my job description, so I'm not sure how this will play out.

Perhaps they should put you on SLT?

[dmj]

The hardware ones are kind of obvious, "make sure equipment is at or above minimum spec", but the governance one sees the creation of an "SLT digital lead" who has strategic responsibility and oversight of some operations. Other than the requirement to be on SLT, the things listed for that person are mostly within my job description, so I'm not sure how this will play out.

a) Make the incumbent employee with those responsibilities a member of SLT and give them a pay rise

b) Promote a teacher with no experience to do the job, and reduce the responsibilities of the current NM, thereby opening yourself up to claims of constructive dismissal.

 

obviously most schools will choose b.

[speakercon]

I find it rather ironic of them to be preaching about minimum device standards after the mostly load of rubbish they've thrown at us over covid...

 

As for the digital leadership one, sounds like the NM's R&R's have been turned into a TLR for a lucky non support staff member.

[enjay]

As for the digital leadership one, sounds like the NM's R&R's have been turned into a TLR for a lucky non support staff member.

 

That's certainly the case here, but not all NMs have those R&Rs. I'll happily take the TLR in the form of a pay-rise and a place on SLT.

[Steve101]

Does anybody have a digital lead? has anyone approached their head teacher about it?

[Tones]

Already covered for us. All the points mentioned are covered by the AHT and DHT for T&L - I figured that was standard? No specific governor link role as it's not stutatory however the plan goes to Resources each year.

[mthomas08]

A big thank you to everyone here. Especially those providing better non website versions

 

I have managed to go through a lot and now have a long list of what we need to do. Luckily most of it is 'recording this and that' and perhaps putting it in with our annual Governors report. Our DSL had already been asking questions so we know we've met a lot!.

 

Thanks again everyone.

[enjay]

All the points mentioned are covered by the AHT and DHT for T&L - I figured that was standard

 

One of our AHTs has responsibility for the T&L side of things, but strategy regarding infrastructure development is my responsibility.

[Cat_Jam148]

FYI - new section added regarding digital accessibility standards

 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/meeting-digital-and-technology-standards-in-schools-and-colleges/digital-accessibility-standards

[timbo343]

The new section - Digital accessibility standards - has been updated here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cxFAiQWigdbH1rWc0e-OZrG8zD_ctVb6?usp=drive_link

[Face-Man]

The new standards https://www.gov.uk/guidance/meeting-digital-and-technology-standards-in-schools-and-colleges/laptop-desktop-and-tablet-standards

 

say all devices need

- "Operating system - Enterprise or education-grade operating systems, which means they are designed for professional rather than home use."

and

"Devices should be centrally managed by IT support."

 

Does anyone think we can now tell a head teacher that there request for an Apple Mac laptop no longer meets the DFE standards ? (that's before we add the extra cost for apple care for 3 years warranty)

[dmj]

Does anyone think we can now tell a head teacher that there request for an Apple Mac laptop no longer meets the DFE standards ? (that's before we add the extra cost for apple care for 3 years warranty)

No, it just means you need to manage it :-)

[Face-Man]

s*** I swear I could argue MacOs is a home operating system after all they have retired Mac server...

 

 

Just need to add Jamf to the price :-)

Edited January 26, 2024 by Face-Man

[dmj]

s*** I swear I could argue MacOs is a home operating system after all they have retire Mac server

 

The whole 'professional' vs 'home' vs 'server' was entirely a microsoft construct. There was no functional difference between mac server and macos other than some 'server' interface that you didn't need anyway (and they actually sold rackmounts). Same goes for linuxes, my work operating system is identical to the server ones we use but with a gui so I can argue with people using a web browser :-)

 

All can be managed centrally (with or without expensive software)

[FN-GM]

s*** I swear I could argue MacOs is a home operating system after all they have retired Mac server...

 

 

Just need to add Jamf to the price :-)

 

Managing computers with servers is a thing of the past. Tools like InTune all the way.

[CrootUK]

Managing computers with servers is a thing of the past. Tools like InTune all the way.

 

Not usually one to debate, but until InTune is an equivalent to Group Policy and SCCM i see servers sticking around for a while yet..

[Mr.Ben]

We run 40+ sites using Intune and have done so since 2018. Currently it is almost on par with what we need on prem.