AI Use Transparency Statement
How we use AI at Radwinter CofE Primary School
/docs/Policies/AI_policy_September_2024.pdfIntroduction
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems that can create new content—such as text, images, or ideas—based on the information they have learned from large amounts of data. At Radwinter CofE Primary School, we recognise that AI has the potential to support pupils, staff, and leaders by enhancing learning experiences, reducing workload, and allowing more personalised teaching. We are committed to using AI responsibly to ensure it benefits our school community while keeping safety, accuracy, and fairness at the forefront.
Evaluation Process
Before any AI tool is used at Radwinter CofE Primary School, we carefully evaluate it to ensure it is safe, secure, and suitable for its intended purpose. This includes assessing the tool’s data protection standards, safeguarding implications, accuracy, and alignment with our curriculum and school values.
Current Tools and Usage
We currently use several AI tools such as:
- SLT AI
- Microsoft Co-Pilot
- Claude AI
These tools help us with tasks such as:
- Creating educational resources
- Supporting lesson and curriculum planning
- Providing tailored feedback and revision activities
- Assisting with administrative tasks
Using these AI tools helps reduce staff workload, freeing teachers to focus more on delivering high-quality teaching and supporting pupils’ learning needs.
We have an AI policy in place to guide the safe and effective use of these technologies; this policy is due for review to keep it up to date with emerging best practises.
Reassurance and Non-Usage
At Radwinter CofE Primary School, we do not use AI for:
- Generating final pupil assessments or exam marking
- Making automated decisions about pupils without human oversight
- Unsupervised pupil-facing AI use without appropriate safeguards
- Using pupils’ original work to train AI models without explicit permission
- Any activity that might compromise pupil safety, data protection, or intellectual property laws
We believe that AI should support, not replace, the professional judgement of teachers. All AI-generated content is reviewed by staff to ensure it is accurate, appropriate, and safe for our pupils.
Using AI to Plan Lessons
AI tools are used to support lesson planning by:
- Reducing workload
- Freeing up teachers’ time
- Enhancing pupils’ education through more personalised and adaptive learning experiences
Teachers use AI-generated lesson plans as starting points, adapting them to meet the specific needs and learning styles of their pupils. All lesson plans created with AI include clear objectives, materials, timings, and differentiated activities. Staff are trained to critically evaluate AI outputs to maintain high-quality and age-appropriate learning.
Using AI Tools During Lessons with Pupils
Where used in lessons, AI tools are:
- Approved by the headteacher and ICT technicians
- Accessible and appropriate for pupils’ age, ability, and developmental stage
- Used under teacher supervision for educational purposes only
We ensure equality of access by providing alternative learning methods for pupils who cannot, or do not wish to, use AI tools, including those with special educational needs or without access to technology at home. We also provide support and training to pupils and parents to help them use AI tools safely and effectively.
AI supports personalised learning by adapting tasks to individual pupils’ needs and facilitates interactive and collaborative learning through engaging, child-friendly activities. Language and literacy development is enhanced through AI-generated resources such as word banks, phonics support, and reading aids.
Misuse of AI Tools
We recognise that misuse of AI can happen accidentally or intentionally. To prevent this, we:
- Follow our Safe Use of AI, Online Safety, and Child Protection policies
- Provide regular training for staff and pupils on ethical and safe AI use
- Monitor and review AI tool use closely
- Have clear disciplinary procedures for misuse by staff or pupils
- Encourage a culture of critical thinking and healthy scepticism about AI outputs
Feedback mechanisms are in place for reporting concerns or misuse, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Selection of AI Tools
Teachers carefully select AI tools based on:
- Pupils’ needs and abilities
- Compatibility with our ICT systems
- Safeguarding and online safety considerations
- Suitability for the subject and curriculum
New AI tools undergo trial periods and are only approved for use after review by the headteacher and ICT technicians. Parents are informed when new AI tools are introduced and the year groups involved.
We maintain a detailed record of all AI tools approved and used in school, along with any concerns raised.
Conduct
Staff conduct:
Staff must use AI tools responsibly and only in line with school policies. Use of unapproved AI tools or misuse of approved tools will result in disciplinary action. Personal use of AI tools during school hours or with school accounts is prohibited.
Pupil conduct:
Pupils are taught how to use AI safely and ethically. Misuse or accessing unapproved AI tools may lead to sanctions and loss of access privileges. AI use is only allowed during supervised lessons.
Parents receive information about the AI tools their children use, including potential benefits and risks.
Safeguarding
We recognise that generative AI can sometimes produce harmful or inappropriate content. Our safeguarding procedures ensure:
- AI tools used are safe and filtered to protect pupils
- Any concerns or incidents are taken seriously and investigated promptly
- Use of AI tools is paused if safeguarding risks arise until resolved
- Pupils are encouraged to report concerns
- Support is provided for pupils’ mental wellbeing related to AI use
- Parents are kept informed and involved in safeguarding processes
Staff receive ongoing training to handle the challenges AI presents in safeguarding.
Parental Consent
We keep parents informed about:
- How AI tools are used in school
- The benefits and risks of AI use
- How pupils’ data is handled in relation to AI
Parents have opportunities to provide feedback and attend sessions to understand AI tools in use.
Monitoring and Review
The governing board and headteacher review our AI use and policies annually or following any incidents. Updates are communicated to the school community promptly.
Contact Information
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the use of AI at Radwinter CofE Primary School, please contact the school office directly. We welcome your feedback and are committed to transparency and collaboration in our use of AI technologies.