How secure broadband supports online safety in schools

Every connected device in a school relies on a safe, stable broadband connection — but not all connections offer the protection schools need. As more teaching and learning takes place online, safeguarding now includes how schools manage and secure internet access. A reliable and secure broadband connection is a key part of that responsibility, yet it can often be overlooked in discussions about online safety.

Everything ICT’s Department for Education (DfE) approved framework connects schools with providers who specialise in secure, education-ready broadband ensuring online safety isn’t left to chance.

“Everything ICT were incredibly helpful in supporting our broadband switch. They answered all our questions in a transparent way and were honest and comprehensive when providing a quote. We are pleased with the decision we have made and feel comfortable that we will be well supported.”

Yasmine T - Sawtry Infant School

Why broadband is central to school cybersecurity

Broadband is a core part of your school’s digital infrastructure and the first line of defence against cyber threats. A poor or outdated connection can leave pupils and staff vulnerable to harmful content, phishing attacks, and network outages.

The right broadband setup can strengthen online safety in several ways:

1. Prevention starts at the network level

   Modern broadband designed for education settings includes built-in safeguards such as firewalls, web filtering, and malware protection. These tools block threats before they reach school devices, reducing the risk of incidents and making it easier for IT teams to manage security centrally.

   
   

   Our DfE-approved framework connects schools with pre-approved providers who offer broadband services specifically designed with these network-level protections in place

   
   

2. Content filtering that meets safeguarding requirements

   Schools have a legal obligation to protect children from harmful or inappropriate content online. Advanced filtering options allow you to control what pupils can access, monitor usage, and quickly respond to safeguarding concerns — all while supporting age-appropriate learning.

   
   

3. Protection against disruptive cyberattacks

   Cyberattacks on schools are increasing, with distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks being a common method of disruption. The right broadband provider will have systems in place to detect, block and mitigate these attacks, helping to keep systems running smoothly and lessons on track.

   
   

   Everything ICT gives schools access to suppliers with proven expertise in cyber resilience, offering protection that’s built to handle real-world threats.

   
   

4. Secure access to cloud-based systems

   More school systems — like MIS platforms, learning tools and email — now run in the cloud. Broadband that prioritises secure, reliable access to these platforms helps protect sensitive data and keeps teaching and administration running without interruption.

How Everything ICT helps schools

Choosing the right broadband provider can be complex, especially with security and safeguarding to consider. Everything ICT’s DfE-approved framework simplifies the process and connects schools with pre-approved broadband suppliers.

We handle the procurement process in a compliant, fully auditable way — saving schools time and ensuring they get a solution that meets both their technical and safeguarding needs.

If your current broadband setup doesn’t support your safeguarding goals, it may be time to review your options.

Speak to Everything ICT’s dedicated team of procurement experts to explore broadband providers who prioritise online safety.