Introducing a certification scheme for assuring EdTech and AI product safety

Closes 4 Feb 2027

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Introduction to the consultation

This consultation sets out DfE’s proposal to establish a product certification scheme to assure the safety of EdTech and AI used in schools and other education settings in England. It seeks views on how such a scheme could support safer decision-making, reduce burdens on education settings and give suppliers a clear and proportionate route to demonstrate that their products meet defined safety standards. 

To help inform policy development, this document seeks to collect views on: 

  • the needs of education settings to ensure the safety of children (everyone under the age of 18) online and when using EdTech  
  • the rationale for and aims of product certification  
  • how product certification could work in practice, including the role of independent assessment and accreditation 
  • which products should fall within the scope of a product certification scheme 
  • the minimum safety criteria products should be assessed against 
  • which education settings should use certified products 
  • how to make sure a scheme is proportionate, practical and navigable for suppliers 
  • the impact of compliance on the EdTech market and how we can continue to support innovation  

Most of the questions in the consultation are optional so you only need to answer questions that are applicable to you, and where you would like to comment. 

The consultation is open to everyone, and all individuals and organisations with an interest in the proposals are welcome to respond. The following is a non-exhaustive list of groups who may be interested in this consultation: 

  • School and college leaders, teachers and support staff, including procurement leads and IT leads   

  • United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) 

  • Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs)  

  • Edtech developers and suppliers (UK and international) 

  • Organisations, experts and academics specialising in child rights and digital safety 

  • Organisations which support education settings, including SEND and inclusion organisations and safeguarding experts  

  • Devolved governments  

  • Pupils, students and youth representative organisations 

  • Parents and carers  

  • Governors and trustees  

  • Early years providers   

  • Academy trusts, local authorities, college governing bodies, dioceses acting on behalf of governing bodies, and site trustees