Wireless Broadband Use at Ewelme School

Currently the school has 3 broadband access points. These are only turned on when the internet is required by a class. Only one will be active at any time (often none will be active). Therefore the school represents less of a risk than many households who may have wireless themselves or be in range of someone else’s. This procedure is deemed acceptable for school use and verified by Local Authority and Becta advice below:

WiFi in Schools

Many Oxfordshire schools, like schools across the country, use WiFi, radio frequency technologies, to provide wireless networking capabilities in buildings and classrooms. The Panorama programme on Monday 21^st May 2007 which was much criticised on scientific grounds raised health and safety concerns about WiFi use in schools.

Becta (www.becta.org.uk) the government agency charged with providing guidance for schools and local authorities on ICT use for learning has released the following statement on the use of this technology which we would like to share with you:

WiFi statement

Following Monday night's (21 May 2007) Panorama programme, Becta has been in contact with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) - the government agency responsible for health and safety - to obtain the latest guidance on any health issues relating to wireless technology.

Despite the claims made in Monday night’s programme, the HPAs guidance remains the same. The latest advice on their website (http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/understand/radiation_topics/emf/wifi.htm) reads:

"On the basis of current scientific information WiFi equipment satisfies international guidelines. There is no consistent evidence of health effects from RF exposures below guideline levels and therefore no reason why schools and others should not use WiFi equipment."

Based on this guidance, and expert safety advice, Becta believes that there is no need to change its current guidance: while secure wireless networks can complement an institution's wired network, they should not replace it.

If Becta or the Health Protection Agency change their advice or guidance then Oxfordshire County Council will act accordingly .

Graham Shaw

Deputy Head ICT Services

Corporate Core

Oxfordshire County Council

3rd Floor, Clarendon House

Cornmarket Street

Oxford

OX1 3EJ