As artificial intelligence continues to improve, primary schools across New Zealand face unique challenges in establishing comprehensive AI policies. While young learners aren't independently using generative AI tools like ChatGPT, teachers and administrators are increasingly turning to AI to deal with the ever increasing workload.
More than three-quarters (79%) of educators say their school still lacks clear policies on AI use, creating uncertainty about how teachers can responsibly leverage these powerful tools. Primary educators are discovering AI's potential for lesson planning, report writing, and creating learning materials. But without proper guidelines, kura risk missing opportunities while exposing themselves to unnecessary risks.
Creating an AI policy for primary schools isn't just about managing risks - it's about empowering teachers to use AI effectively while protecting student data and maintaining educational integrity. Here's your comprehensive guide to developing an AI policy that works for your primary school community.
Download a sample AI policy for your school
Download AI Use policy for teachers and students
Download AI Use policy for teachers only (prohibits student use)
Please ensure you read these policies thoroughly before implementing them, and adjust them as needed for your school and community
Why Your School Needs an AI Policy Now
A recent UNESCO global survey of more than 450 schools and universities showed that less than 10% had institutional policies or formal guidance regarding the use of generative AI. This absence of guidance creates significant risks: privacy breaches, inconsistent disciplinary actions, and missed opportunities for educational enhancement.
An effective AI policy serves three critical purposes:
Risk Management: Protecting student data privacy and academic integrity
Educational Enhancement: Using AI to improve learning outcomes and teacher efficiency
Community Guidance: Providing clear expectations for students, staff, and parents
Essential Components of Your School AI Policy
1. Purpose and Educational Alignment
AI should be employed purposefully to support and enrich the learning experience, promoting student and staff well-being, and taking the load off some administrative functions. Your policy should explicitly connect AI usage to your school's educational goals and values.
Key Elements to Include:
Clear statement of how AI supports your school's mission
Specific educational outcomes AI will help achieve
Alignment with existing curriculum standards and pedagogical approaches
2. Data Privacy and Security Safeguards
Student data protection must be paramount in any AI policy. AI must not be used to collect, store, or analyse student data without explicit consent and a clear educational purpose.
Critical Privacy Components:
Data Minimisation: Collect only necessary information for educational purposes
Consent Requirements: Clear protocols for obtaining parental and student consent, if student data is to be shared with third parties
Data Storage: Secure handling and storage of any data processed by AI tools
Third-Party Compliance: Ensuring AI vendors meet privacy standards equivalent to your school's policies
3. Approved Tools and Platforms
Only school-approved AI tools should be used, and staff should operate them through school-provided accounts. This ensures consistency, security, and compliance with your school's standards.
Tool Management Strategy:
Curated list of approved AI platforms and applications
Regular review and evaluation of new AI tools
Staff training on approved tools and their appropriate uses
Clear procedures for requesting evaluation of new AI technologies
4. Professional Development and Training
AI literacy involves understanding how AI works, its limitations, implications and ethical considerations. Comprehensive training ensures effective and responsible AI implementation.
Training Components:
Initial Orientation: Introduction to approved AI tools and policies
Ongoing Education: Regular updates on new developments and best practices
6. Implementation and Monitoring
Effective policies require thoughtful implementation strategies and continuous monitoring. Implementing regular audits and monitoring AI use are essential to maintaining ethical AI behavior.
Implementation Framework:
Phased Rollout: Gradual introduction of AI tools and policies
Regular Reviews: AI policies will be reviewed and updated annually to reflect new developments in AI technology
Incident Reporting: Clear procedures for addressing policy violations or concerns, including staff feeling safe to notify senior management if they feel they might have breached the AI policy.
7. Communication and Transparency
Parents should be informed about AI usage in schools through newsletters, online resources, and school sessions. Transparent communication builds trust and ensures community understanding.
Communication Strategy:
Clear Documentation: Accessible policy language for all stakeholders
Regular Updates: Ongoing communication about policy changes and AI developments
Feedback Opportunities: Mechanisms for community questions and concerns
Practical Next Steps
Form a Policy Committee: Include teachers, administrators, IT staff, parents, and students
Research Best Practices: Review policies from similar schools and educational organisations
Draft Initial Policy: Start with core components and build out details
Professional Development: Train staff before policy launch
Launch and Monitor: Implement with ongoing evaluation and adjustment
How TeacherGPT can help
Unlike generic AI tools that require privacy configuration, TeacherGPT is purpose-built for primary teachers with strict data protection enabled by default, eliminating compliance risks from misconfigured settings. The platform allows schools to inject their specific context, curriculum focus, and institutional values directly into the system, ensuring every staff member receives responses automatically aligned with your school's teaching philosophy and policies without requiring individual monitoring or additional training.
Looking Forward: AI as Educational Enhancement
When thoughtfully implemented, AI policies don't just manage risks, they unlock opportunities. Schools with comprehensive AI policies can leverage tools like TeacherGPT to enhance lesson planning, speed up administrative tasks, and provide personalised learning support.
The key is creating policies that embrace AI's potential while protecting what matters most: authentic learning, student privacy, and your school's values. With clear guidelines, proper training, and ongoing evaluation, your school can navigate the AI revolution confidently and effectively.
By taking action now to develop a comprehensive AI policy, you're not just preparing for the future; you're actively shaping it for your students' benefit.
Ready to explore how AI can improve your teaching practice within proper policy frameworks? TeacherGPT provides New Zealand educators with AI tools designed specifically for classroom use, helping you create lesson plans, write reports, and communicate effectively while maintaining educational integrity. Learn more about responsible AI use in education at teachergpt.co.nz.