Chromebooks for families – end of the scheme
The scheme is ending
In 2020 Children’s Services lent Chromebooks to families we’re working with.
On 15 August 2022, the Chromebooks families were using were reset to factory settings. The Council no longer supports them. They belong to parents, carers, or young people over 16.
On 31 October 2022, Google accounts ending escc.schools.services were disabled.
Chromebooks which had not been used lately were locked, so they can be safely recycled.
If Children’s Services lent you a Chromebook in 2020, see what you need to do now the scheme has ended.
How to use your Chromebook after 15 August
Login to your reset Chromebook
You can log into the Chromebook using your own account.
If you don’t have a Google account, there’s advice on setting one up.
Make sure you and your family can stay safe online
The Chromebook will need security (anti-virus protection), or to control what your family can access online. You will need to decide what to put in place just like if you had bought the Chromebook yourself. See more advice on how to stay safe online.
What to do if your Chromebook is locked
If you haven’t used your Chromebook lately, it has been locked.
If children and young people in your family now need to use the Chromebook, please contact your social worker (ask your parent or carer to do so if you are under 16).
How to stay safe online
You will need to:
- keep your Chromebook secure and safe from viruses
- consider what your family should see online and
- check you’re taking the steps to stay safe online.
How can I get security?
The software on your Chromebook includes security. The best way to protect it is to ensure that all software is up-to-date and has the latest security fixes. Until it is 5 years old, your Chromebook will automatically check for and downloads updates when it is connected to Wi-Fi. This is free.
If you want to check if your Chromebook’s system is up-to-date, there is guidance on checking for system updates on the Google website.
If you have broadband, most providers offer virus and other security protection as part of their package. You’ll find details on their website.
The CyberAware website explains other simple steps that help keep you secure for free, like setting strong email passwords.
How can I control what my family can see online?
If you have broadband, most providers offer parental controls as part of the package. You’ll find details on their website.
You can also set up a Children’s Account for a child to use on the Chromebook for free, which gives more options for controlling what they can see. There is guidance on managing Children’s Accounts on the Google website.
What other steps should I take to safe online?
These government websites provide advice for all families on how to keep yourself and your family safe online:
Cybersecurity advice for families
Cyberaware – protect your email
Internet Matters is backed by the UK’s most prominent internet providers, BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin Media, and are supported by leading child online safety experts. They offer advice and information on tackling e-safety issues, including the guides outlined in the intervention section.
NSPCC Share Aware is a campaign by the NSPCC and O2 to help keep children safe online. It offers advice and guidance in a number of areas.
NSPCC NetAware provides a guide to sites, apps and games. It gives you guidance on age, privacy settings and safety and support.
Recovering my files and emails
On 31 October 2022, Google accounts ending escc.schools.services were disabled.
If you need access files or emails, please contact your social worker (ask your parent or carer to do so if you are under 16). Your social worker will request for the account to be re-enabled for a short period.
How to find files stored in my re-enabled escc.schools.services account
When you’re logged into your re-enabled escc.schools.services account, click on the top right options box (it looks like a box with nine dots).
Click on Google Drive.
In Google Drive, click on the folders to see if they include any documents you need.
How to move documents from my old account
You can move files from your re-enabled escc.schools.services account to a USB stick.
Or, you could open an email account in the web browser. Then you can attach the files to an email and send it to yourself.
Or, if you have lots of files, you could follow the instructions for Google Takeout to copy your files from Google Account to another.
There are YouTube videos to guide you.
To return your Chromebook
You can return your Chromebook by dropping it to any East Sussex County Council building addressed to:
Schools IT
St Mary's House
52 St Leonard's Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN21 3UU
Otherwise, we recommend you recycle your Chromebook through one of the free computer recycling services listed online, or a Household Waste Recycling site.
My ESCC account no longer works
If you want to use Google you will need to use a different account.
If you don’t have a Google account, and you are over 13, you will need to set an account up. Parents or carers should set up accounts for children under 13. There is guidance on the Google website:
Create a Google Account - Google Account Help
Create a Google Account for your child - Google For Families Help