Talking to your child is one of the best ways to keep them safe.

The Internet is an essential element in 21st century life for education, business and social interaction. Computing & digital skills and knowledge are vital to access life-long learning and employment. In today’s digital age, ensuring the online safety of our children is more crucial than ever. The internet offers incredible opportunities for learning and growth, but it can also present risks. By prioritising online safety, we can create a secure environment where children can explore, learn, and connect without fear. Our commitment to safeguarding children online helps protect their well-being and fosters a positive, enriching digital experience.

'We won't keep up with every site or app children visit online, but we can ensure they have the skills, thinking and behaviours, to be safe and smart wherever they find themselves online.'

As a school we are committed to doing all we can to ensure our children understand digital safety and what to do if they have a worry or are concerned about a peer.  We teach the children the skills needed to recognise that care needs to be taken when using the internet and any information retrieved may not be factual.  We endeavour to ensure that children do not access inappropriate material through effective online filtering and monitoring systems, we teach children how to behave online when using social networking sites, and also how and where to seek advice and support should anything happen which makes them feel uncomfortable.

Online safety in School

All staff in school play a pivotal role in ensuring children's online safety at school. Online safety is embedded into the curriculum , teaching students about the importance of responsible online behaviour and how to recognise potential dangers. Through dedicated lessons, assemblies, and themed days, teachers provide practical advice on the following topics: Copywrite and Ownership, Managing online information, Self Image and Identity, Online relationships, Health, Wellbeing and lifestyle, Online reputation and privacy and security.

Additionally, staff foster an open environment where students feel comfortable discussing their online experiences and concerns. By staying informed about the latest online trends and threats, staff can effectively guide students in navigating the digital world safely.

The Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) statutory document explains the requirement to have filtering and monitoring in place at school. It states:

• Filtering should be “age appropriate”.
• Overblocking should not lead to “unnecessary restrictions” around teaching and learning.

Therefore, Smoothwall filtering and monitoring software is in place at the school to monitor the online and offline activity of pupils against a wide range of concerns.

Signing an acceptable use agreement in school is a crucial step in helping children stay safe online. This agreement that children sign at the beginning of each year, outlines clear guidelines and expectations for responsible internet use, ensuring that students understand the importance of maintaining their privacy, respecting others, and avoiding harmful content. By signing this document, children commit to following safe online practices, which helps protect them from cyberbullying, inappropriate material, and other online threats. Additionally, it fosters a sense of accountability and awareness, empowering students to make informed decisions while navigating the digital world. This proactive approach not only safeguards their well-being but also promotes a positive and respectful online community.

Please see the following page to find out more information about how you can help and support your child to stay safe online at home: