Acer Trust: Enhancing Digital Safety and Management

Overview

In January 2024, Acer Trust merged with Bernwode Schools Trust, bringing together a community of 5,646 students across 9 schools. This merger prompted a reevaluation of their existing digital solutions, particularly in the areas of filtering and safeguarding.

Challenge

With the integration of Bernwode Schools Trust, the combined entity faced the challenge of managing multiple filtering solutions across their schools. To streamline operations and enhance digital safety, they decided to centralise their filtering and classroom management tools under Lightspeed Systems in a number of their schools under the Acer North Trust Hub, with the rest looking to centralise in the near future.

Solution

Acer Trust opted for Lightspeed Filter™, a solution previously used by Bernwode, which provides KSCIE- compliant web filtering and reporting. This allows Acer to customise internet access for every device and operating system across their trust, along with numerous education-specific features such as safe YouTube browsing and parental reports.

On the safeguarding front, Lightspeed Alert™ addresses their needs with instant notifications for any alarming behaviour related to self-harm, cyberbullying, and violence. Additionally, Acer Trust implemented Lightspeed Classroom™ to facilitate better monitoring and control of student devices during lessons. This decision was influenced by the need for a unified, cloud-based solution that seamlessly integrated with their Chromebooks. Luke Hutchinson, the IT Services Manager at Acer Trust, highlighted the importance of this transition: “We are a Google reference site with 2 schools managed as one. Lightspeed was purchased to work with Chromebooks and cloud only. This is one of the main reasons for choosing the solution.”

Implementation

The implementation of Lightspeed Classroom has transformed the teaching experience at The Cooper
School, one of the institutions under Acer Trust. Teachers now have the ability to monitor student
screens, manage classroom activities, and share resources efficiently. Here are some insights from
teachers at The Cooper School on how Lightspeed Classroom has impacted them:

• Helen Jones, the Lead Induction Tutor and History Teacher, noted:
• “Lightspeed Classroom is the system we use at school to monitor students’ use of the internet if in the class. I like the fact that, as a teacher, I can see the screen of the student and I can freeze their screen.”

• Mr. Pearson, a teacher The Cooper School, expressed:
• “Lightspeed Classroom has allowed the more effective use of the internet during research and group tasks. I also like the ability to add students into groups without having to use the MIS.”

• Lawrence Todd, another teacher, shared:
• “Lightspeed Classroom allows easier sharing of material with a specific group of students, using a range of file formats. I appreciate the features available, which aid overall classroom focus and task completion.”

• Miss F Jones, a History Teacher and Deputy Head of Sixth Form, added:
• “Lightspeed Classroom links to my timetable so classes automatically come up based on the time. I like how easy to use it is and how simple it is to understand/control screens from my computer when I have a whole class in front of me.”

Conclusion

The merger of Acer Trust and Bernwode Schools Trust has led to a successful centralisation of digital solutions, enhancing both filtering and classroom management. With Lightspeed Systems, Acer Trust is
not only ensuring a safer digital environment for its students but also empowering teachers to deliver
more effective and engaging lessons.