SamBrooker

We tried multiple classroom management systems, we settled with classroom.cloud as it just worked (unlike some others we tried). Cloud based so teachers can view their class from any PC, and the cost wasn't too bad.

We have used Smoothwall since October 2025 and its been amazing. We went through so many different types of safeguarding software as they were cheaper, but with Smoothwall you definitely get what you pay for with the slightly higher price. The setup is slightly more complicated than others, but once it's setup it just works. The category based blocking is very useful, reports are good, policy management for different students etc is great, and the the DSL have their own dashboard for everything safeguarding related (which they really like as we have Smoothwall filter and monitor), so nothing ever crosses over or gets confusing.

There's a school in my area where they have introduced phone pouches at the start of the year that get locked with your phone in. The phone must go in the pouch that every student has, and can only unlock it at the end of the school day. See how long that will last for.

Ahh, I always have a different delivery driver for amazon, don't ever remember it being the same person. DPD I sometimes have the same few people but only occasionally. I live in Greater London though.

I read this message Friday the day my switches from Amazon were due... which I'm sure my driver stole one. I had been lucky to order 2 (1 for me and 1 for a mate). Both were turning up in 1 parcel which required a code. The driver delivered my other parcels coming that day then started to walk away before I asked him where the parcel that requires a code is. He then said "oh yeh sorry I forgot there was another one, I left it in my van one second". He then comes back with a ripped open box with only 1 of the switches in the box. I couldn't take the delivery as the code was for 2!

We don't give any AI to any students as I know before they were saying it was for 18+ only, I don't know if they have changed anything around that since. I created a new OU in Google just for AI users which I have added staff members in who need AI. I then applied Gemini license and turned on NotebookLM access for that OU.

I spoke to someone at the Google stand at BETT about this. He basically said if you want students to carry on using these Google services, you have to tick the consent box otherwise they won't be able to log in with their Google account. He said the best way to get consent is to include it in the IT policy form all new students sign when joining the school. However, some services don't always require a Google account to be used, therefore if consent isn't given for that service, they can still use it, they just won't be able to log in with their Google account. I'd imagine NotebookLM requires a Google account before you can even access it so ticking consent is the only way forward with that.