Online Safety

In line with best practice and the government approach outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE), Online Safety is a core priority at our school, regarded as an integral component of safeguarding. As internet-capable technology is increasingly utilized across all subject areas and in the home, we recognise this crucial whole-school issue and the essential need to explicitly educate children on how to navigate the digital world safely.

Policy and Governance

We have an Online Safety Policy that is adapted from the LGfL (London Grid for Learning) model policy.

This policy is linked to other key safeguarding policies such as anti-bullying, safeguarding, staff and pupil behaviour policies

All that is done over our systems is monitored by SENSO and overseen by Emily Wright, a designated safeguarding lead (DSL) and by Keith Broad the computing co-ordinator.

Online Safety Policy

What the Children are Taught

Establishment Week

During the first week of the autumn term, all children are shown the LGfL Undressed video and are made aware of the importance of never undressing in front of a device with a camera.

Children are also shown a video about Childline and are taught what Childline is for. The children are taught the Childline number by heart (0800 1111).

In addition, the children from Y1-6 sign a Keystage appropriate Acceptable Use Policy that is explained to them by their class teacher and a record is kept (on paper Y1-2 and online from Y3-6). This document raises awareness of key things the children need to do and understand. It helps ensure that they are better equipped to keep themselves and the community safe when using computer equipment and in the online world. As part of this, the children are taught about “trusted adults” and how to choose the adults they trust at home and at school. They are told that they can tell their trusted adults any concerns, worries, fears and funny feelings that they may have.

Curriculum

Online Safety is taught as part of the computing curriculum throughout the school and via a rolling cycle of assemblies - it is also referred to in PSHE lessons. The exact things taught during computing and assemblies are identified on the Progression of Knowledge Computing Map. In addition, it is referred to in all other subjects and teaching when appropriate.

At Olga we recognise that the internet gives children access to an extraordinary range of information that can help support their learning across the curriculum. We teach them to use safe and responsible behaviour whenever they use devices connected to the internet; in school this includes safely using iPads, Chromebooks and desktop computers as well as related technologies such as email, Airdrop, video meets and G-Suite for Education (including Classroom and a wide range of other apps).

All children have access to iPads that provide internet access. Years 1-6, also have access to Chromebooks and teachers use interactive large screen computers which are connected to the internet as well. Pupils are always supervised when using these facilities and equipment.

Internet access is provided by the LGfL, which provides a service that aims to filter out content that is inappropriate for children.

Safer Internet Day

Every spring we take part in Safer Internet Day and have a range of activities in class for the children, as well as special videos, an assembly and events for parents. We regularly invite the police to speak to Year 6.

Parents

Monitoring and Communication Advice

The internet can be a great tool for gathering information, learning new skills, and communicating with friends and family. Hand in hand with an increasing number of household devices that are connectable to the internet, there is a growing pressure on parents to allow children more and more time online. This can be a good thing as long as we know what a child is doing. Children need to be monitored and taught what to do if something makes them feel uncomfortable.

Periodically we aim to hold workshops for parents on current online safety issues. Online Safety is also included as a topic in termly “meet the teacher” meetings and regularly features in the school’s newsletter, Olga Matters.

Parents are asked to sign a consent form as part of the admissions procedure to allow their child to access the Internet within school. If they have any queries regarding our internet safety procedures, they can e-mail the school office.

Staff Training

We address staff training in online safety through PDMs and INSET. All staff receive mandatory annual training, which covers the identification of risks, safe technology use in the classroom, and mandatory reporting and escalation procedures. This is supplemented by updates via PDMs to address emerging risks and policy changes.

Useful Links

LGFL's Undressed Campaign

Find out about the London Grid for Learning's Undressed Campaign and help to educate your children about how to stay safe when using video technology online. The children are reminded about the messages in this video at the start of the academic year and posters are in every room from Year 1-6.