Cantium Business Solutions removing Schools Broadband Service

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in line with the requirements outlined in ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ means creating a safe and secure learning environment. To do this, school leaders need to take all reasonable measures to minimise children's exposure to online risks when using school provided devices and IT systems and should ensure they have an appropriate level of security protection in place to safeguard systems, staff and learners. As an integral component of this, schools should ensure they have implemented appropriate filtering and monitoring systems and are routinely assessing the efficacy of their policies and approaches.

A recent change to the Cantium offer may have cyber security and safeguarding implications for you. Cantium Business Solutions will no longer be offering its Schools Broadband Service after March 31, 2024 with a possible extension to end of May. Some 275 schools are affected by this change and have been notified. If you are unaware of your position, please check. To support effective transitions to new broadband providers, Cantium and KPSN (Kent Public Service Network) are working with Medway Council to be able to offer a continued KPSN connection for schools. This will simplify switching between providers and will reduce disruption and cost to your school. Retaining the KPSN connection means no need for new circuit installs or uncertain delivery dates.

We are aware that some schools may not be receiving like for like quotations for alternative provision and are subsequently needing to purchase additional solutions in order to fulfil the statutory safeguarding requirements. If you are affected by this change, we would strongly encourage you to ensure that any quotes received are comparable (for example they include filtering and/or monitoring approaches which are appropriate for your school community) and are considered from both a financial and safeguarding perspective. To find out more, please speak with your new supplier and keep an eye on the news section on the KPSN website

If you are affected by this change, please access the national guidance available below and/or contact the Education Safeguarding Service to explore what your school needs to consider from a safeguarding perspective when commissioning a new provider.

• DfE - Filtering and monitoring standards for schools and colleges
• DfE - Cyber security standards for schools and colleges
• DfE - Broadband internet standards for schools and colleges
• Schools' buying strategy, and specific advice on procurement
• UK Safer Internet Centre: Appropriate Filtering and Monitoring
• SWGfL: Appropriate Filtering and Monitoring Webinars, Checklist and FAQs

The Education Safeguarding Service are working to produce an optional pre-recorded webinar and guidance this month to support headteachers and DSLs to make informed decisions about next steps. Information about the webinar will be cascaded through the e-bulletin when it is available, however in the meantime to register your interest, please contact onlinesafety@kent.gov.uk.