A pioneering system devised in Bradford to prevent pupils viewing pornographic and other unsuitable internet sites is being taken on by the district's schools.

More than 25 Bradford schools took part in a year-long pilot broadband project which ensures pupils can surf safely.

The MinervaNet system has been designed by school IT specialists and IT security experts ECSC, in conjunction with the Minerva Centre in Bradford - an IT and training education organisation.

The system provides a secure environment where pupils only have access to sites approved by teachers.

It is now being made available to all the district's primary schools after a partnership agreement was signed with Education Bradford.

Mark Chambers, Education Bradford's ICT curriculum development manager, said: "We have worked closely with the MinervaNet team to integrate broadband solutions which bring innumerable advantages that include online access to the national schools network and curriculum online along with greater collaborative working.

"Safe surfing for pupils is crucial and, having witnessed at first hand the benefits and the positive feedback of schools taking part in the MinervaNet pilot project, we are pleased to recommend the system as the best of its kind."

MinervaNet works with a nominated teacher requesting sites appropriate for pupils, which are then vetted and graded according to their suitability.

Schools starting on the service can share websites previously approved, with teachers able to add new sites that become 'live' less than an hour after putting in a request.

Stringent monitoring systems extend to an audit trail highlighting which teacher has asked for a specific site to be allowed.

John Flockton, head teacher at Newhall Park Primary School, Bierley, Bradford, which was part of the pilot project, said he was delighted with the system.

"The staff and I can now be confident that the children can learn a tremendous amount from their Internet work without getting on to any harmful sites. It gives us all peace of mind," he said.

Barbara Jones, ICT co-ordinator at Lidget Green Primary School, Bradford, said that without MinervaNet, it would be impossible to fully supervise pupils' internet access.

"MinervaNet gives us the confidence to allow pupils free access to the Internet in our Breakfast Club and after school clubs and the youngsters find the interface easy to use," she commented.

ECSC managing director, Ian Mann, said MinervaNet still enabled teachers access to the entire Internet through a computer in the head teacher's office or staffroom.

Mr Mann, a father-of-three young children, said: "The problem of children accessing sexually explicit and unsuitable material is a growing worry for teachers and parents as computers become commonplace in the classroom and home."

Phil McLear, of The Minerva Centre, said: "The unique strength of the system is that we designed it understanding teachers' needs.

"If they want to talk about the Tudor kings and queens, they can look for helpful sites on the Web, find the ones they consider appropriate for the age group they are teaching, then tell us which to allow access to."

The system has provoked interest in other areas and it is hoped the system will be adopted by education authorities around the country.