All school Internet requests are filtered via Smoothwall (the Internet Filtering device) which uses the following principles:
- applying rules apportioned to a list of categories as agreed with Education.
- applying rules apportioned to a list of custom URLs (web site addresses) as instructed by schools.
Is the filtering service guaranteed?
No. Internet filtering reduces the risk of accessing unsuitable content, however due to the ever-changing nature of the Internet some unsuitable material may occasionally still be viewed.
Can I request changes to the Internet Filtering?
Yes. Schools can choose to deny access to undesirable sites or to allow access to sites that have been denied by the system. To allow or deny access to an Internet site please raise a call via your schools ICT Contact giving the full website address (URL).
Why have ICT banned me from a site I used to be able to view?
It is likely that ICT have not made any changes to the filters, however due to the changing nature of the internet, certain sites or pages may be re-categorised within Smooth Wall due to a change in content.
What if there are conflicting requests?
It is not unknown for one school to ask for a site to be opened whilst another school has asked for it to be banned. When this happens ICT pass the request to Education for a decision before making any changes.
