Every primary school now needs an AI policy, but it does not need to be long. The best ones are short, specific and actually used by staff. Here is what to include, section by section, with notes on what makes primary different.
What makes a primary AI policy different
Primary pupils are below the minimum age for most general AI tools, so a primary policy is mostly about staff use, with a smaller section on how pupils encounter AI. It also needs to speak to parents, who have strong views about AI and their children. For the general how-to, see how to write an AI policy for a UK school.
The sections
1. Purpose and principles
A short statement: why the school uses AI (to reduce workload and support teaching, not to replace teachers), and the principles — safety, transparency, human oversight.
2. Scope
Who it applies to — staff, governors, volunteers, pupils — and which activities.
3. Roles and responsibilities
Headteacher, DSL, data protection officer, IT provider and governors. Keep it brief.
4. Approved tools
A list of approved AI tools and what each is approved for — for example, "Copilot Chat on school accounts: drafting, planning, resources". Include how staff request a new tool. See how IT controls AI tools.
5. Data protection
Clear rules on what can and cannot be entered — no identifiable pupil data in unapproved tools, special category data excluded — and a link to your DPIAs. See DfE guidance on personal data and AI.
6. Staff use
What staff can use AI for, the requirement to check outputs, and honesty about AI use. Often best as a separate one-page staff acceptable use agreement.
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7. Safeguarding
How AI fits your filtering and monitoring, the DSL's role, and risks such as deepfakes and AI-generated imagery. See KCSIE filtering and monitoring for AI and updating your KCSIE policy.
8. Pupils and AI
How pupils may encounter AI in lessons (usually teacher-led), what they are taught about AI, and homework expectations. See safe AI classroom activities for KS2.
9. Parents
How the school communicates about AI, including reports. See explaining AI use to parents.
10. Training
What training staff receive and when.
11. Review
Review at least annually — AI and the guidance change fast.
Keep it usable
- Aim for four to six pages, plus a one-page staff agreement.
- Use plain English and concrete examples.
- Name tools specifically — "AI tools" is too vague to follow.
- Take it to governors for approval. See AI governor briefing sessions.
Sample wording
Purpose
"Our school uses artificial intelligence to reduce staff workload and support teaching and learning. AI supports our staff; it does not replace their professional judgement. We use AI safely, lawfully and transparently."
Data protection
"Staff must only use AI tools on the approved list, signed in with school accounts. Identifiable pupil or staff information must not be entered into any tool unless the approved list states it is permitted for that purpose. Special category data must never be entered."
Checking outputs
"Staff remain responsible for any content produced with AI. All AI-generated content must be checked for accuracy and appropriateness before use."
Common gaps in school AI policies
- No named tools — just "approved AI tools".
- No link to safeguarding or filtering and monitoring.
- Nothing on pupils or homework.
- No review date.
- No mention of parents.
Frequently asked questions
Does a primary school need an AI policy?
Yes. Staff are already using AI, and KCSIE and DfE guidance expect schools to manage AI safely, particularly for data protection and safeguarding.
What should a primary school AI policy include?
Purpose, scope, roles, approved tools, data protection, staff use, safeguarding, pupils, parents, training and review.
How long should a school AI policy be?
Around four to six pages, plus a one-page staff acceptable use agreement, is usually enough.
Can primary pupils use AI tools?
Most general AI tools have minimum ages above primary age, so pupil use is usually teacher-led with carefully chosen tools.
Who approves the AI policy?
The governing body, usually on the headteacher's recommendation, with annual review.