Online Safety
At Wherwell Primary School we recognise that in order to continue to prepare children for life in modern Britain, it is important that we provide them with the tools to protect themselves and to have thought-provoking discussions, especially in this very important area. For new generations, technology is part of their everyday lives, therefore they need to be able to live with it in a sensible way.
In this section, you will find information about what activities are taking place at school in order to support the children and families on online safety. We will also include useful links that can be used by parents and children to keep them safe.
How is Online Safety delivered at Wherwell Primary School?
At Wherwell all teachers are aware of the technologies that children are using both inside and outside school. This awareness is achieved through the following:
- Regular discussions about the responsible use of technologies, their benefits and their risks
- Being clear that there is a ‘no blame’ culture for anyone who has had a bad experience
- Zero-tolerance of any form of bullying
- Reinforcement of key messages - STOP, BLOCK, TELL, FORWARD.
- Keep adults informed of what children are doing online.
Pupils are not allowed to use any of their own personal IT devices at school at any time, unless specifically authorised by the Headteacher.
Creating a safe ICT learning environment includes four main elements at this school:
- Technological tools that are well-managed with regular security updates
- Clear roles and responsibilities
- An effective Online-Safety education programme for pupils, staff and parents
- A culture in which issues can be openly discussed
The school includes Online Safety in the curriculum and ensures that every pupil has been educated about safe and responsible use, through ongoing reminders. Pupils need to know how to minimise online risks and how to report a problem. The school holds an annual Online Safety event and the school will ensure that they make efforts to engage with parents on safety matters.
How will complaints regarding online safety be handled?
The school and their IT Provider (Harrap ICT) will take all reasonable precautions to ensure that risks are kept to a minimum through strict systems of filtering content and monitoring activity. However, it is not possible to guarantee that unsuitable material will never appear on a school computer or mobile device. Neither the school or Harrap ICT, can accept liability for material accessed, or any consequences of Internet access. Any inappropriate material is reported to the Harrap team for them to block.
Staff and pupils are aware of infringements and the possible sanctions employed. Sanctions available include:
- Informing parents or carers;
- Removal of Internet or computer access for a period, [which could ultimately prevent access to files held on the system];
- Referral to LA / Police.
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) acts as first point of contact for any complaint. Any complaint about staff misuse is referred to the Head Teacher, or the Chair of Governors, where it involves the Head Teacher.
Complaints of online/cyberbullying are dealt with in accordance with our Behaviour and Anti-Bullying Policy.
Complaints related to child protection are dealt with in accordance with school / LA child protection policy and procedures.
Parents at Google UK talking about child safety online
Parents from the Google London office talking about their approach to helping their own children stay safe online. For more tips and advice visit google.co.uk/familysafety
Useful links
http://www.saferinternet.org.uk/
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
https://www.internetmatters.org/?gclid=CJGOpK3Hys0CFUefGwodcYEEHA
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what_we_do/barnardos_today/resources_internet_safety.htm
https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/childrenandfamilies/safeguardingchildren/onlinesafety
E- Safety Presentation for parents
"Are my kids Fine..." by Andy Hider, Head of Pupil support at Westgate Secondary School.