E-safety is an extremely important issue. Students study this as part of their ICT lessons and through the tutor programme. We also pick up particular issues with individuals and groups of students as they arise. Being able to use digital and on-line resources efficiently and safely is a life skill, and we want to work with parents to make sure our students have the highest levels of competency and confidence possible.

On this page you will find our online safety overview and a range of links which will give parents, students and governors a better understanding of issues relating to e-safety and protective solutions.

Any e-safety issue should be reported immediately to your child’s Head of Year, or the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Our Vision

Today’s children and young people are growing up in an increasingly complex world, living their lives seamlessly both on and offline. This presents many positive and exciting opportunities, as well as some challenges and risks.

As a Trust, we aim to equip our children and young people with the knowledge needed to make the best use of the Internet and technology in a safe, considered, and respectful way, so they are able to realise the benefits of the online world. We ensure that children and young people understand the importance of adopting safe and responsible behaviours and good online safety practice when using digital technologies outside of school. With technology ever evolving, we recognise the need to regularly share information, training, and guidance appropriately across the wider Trust community, including parents, carers and governors.

Our Focus

From September 2020, primary schools have to teach relationships education, and relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education became compulsory for all secondary age children. It is important to focus on the underpinning knowledge and behaviours that can help the children and young people navigate the online world safely and confidently regardless of the device, platform, or app.

Our Computing and Personal Development curricula covers the principles of online safety across all key stages with progression in the content to reflect the different escalating risks that children and young people face. This includes how to use technology safely, responsibly, respectfully, and securely and where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the Internet or other online technologies. Online safety and appropriate behaviour will be addressed in an age-appropriate way that is relevant to children and young people lives.

Teaching will always be age and developmentally appropriate and will include teaching children and young people:

• How to evaluate what they see online
• How to recognise techniques used for persuasion
• Online behaviour
• How to identify online risks
• How and when to seek support
• Managing online information
• Copyright and ownership
• Privacy and security
• Online relationships
• Online reputation
• Self-image & identity
• Health, wellbeing, and lifestyle

Useful Links

	Teaching Online Safety in School	Guidance supporting schools to teach their pupils how to stay safe online, within the new and existing school subjects
	Childnet	Help to make the Internet a great and safe place for children and young people
	Digizen: A Childnet website	Discover information and findings on the phenomenon of social networking and how to use social networking sites and social media sites creatively and safely
	ConnectSafely	ConnectSafely is an organisation dedicated to educating people about online safety, privacy, security, and digital wellness. Resources include research-based safety tips, parents’ guidebooks, advice, news, and commentary on all aspects of tech use and policy
	CEOP	Child Exploitation and Online Protection command Make a report to one of CEOP’s Child Protection Advisors
	SWGFL: Safe, Secure, Online	SWGfL are a charity ensuring everyone can benefit from technology free from harm. Forming 1/3 of the UK Safer Internet Centre, experts advise schools, public bodies and industry on appropriate actions to take in regards to safeguarding and advancing positive online safety policies
	thinkuknow	The National Crime Agency's CEOP Education team aim to help protect children and young people from online child sexual abuse. An education programme, providing training, resources and information to professionals working with children, young people and their families
	Internetmatters	Supporting families online. Get expert support and practical tips to help children benefit from connected technology and the internet safely and smartly
	GoCompare	Compare broadband parental controls and internet safety for children
	Guides and resources for Parents and Carers Social media guides	Tips, advice, guides, and resources to help keep your child safe online.   Advice about key social media platforms and apps
	NSPCC: Keeping children safe online	NSPCC believe everyone has a part to play in keeping children safe online. Find out how with their online safety guides
	National Online Safety	National Online Safety’s mission is to make the Internet a safer place for children. Achieving this through equipping school staff, parents, and children with the knowledge they need to understand online dangers and how best to react should an incident arise.
	Child Safety Online	A practical guide for parents and carers whose children are using social media

 

Online Safety Webinar