Online Safety (e-Safety) Policy for Greatstone Primary School
This document should be read in conjunction with the Greatstone Primary School IT Acceptable Use policy.
- Creating an online safety ethos
1.1.Aims and policy scope
1.2.Writing and reviewing the online safety policy
1.3.Key responsibilities of the community
1.3.1. Key responsibilities of the School Leadership Team
1.3.2. Key responsibilities of the online safety/designated safeguarding lead
1.3.3. Key responsibilities of staff
1.3.4. Additional responsibilities for staff managing the technical environment
1.3.5. Key responsibilities of children
1.3.6. Key responsibilities of parents/carers
- Online communication and safer use of technology
2.1.Managing the website
2.2.Publishing images and videos online
2.4.Appropriate safe classroom use of the internet and associated devices
2.5.Management of school learning platforms/portals/gateways
- Social media policy
3.1.General social media use
3.2.Official use of social media
3.3.Staff official use of social media
3.4.Staff personal use of social media
3.5.Pupils use of social media
- Use of personal devices and mobile phones
4.1.Rationale regarding personal devices and mobile phones
4.2.Expectations for safe use of personal devices and mobile phones
4.3.Staff use of personal devices and mobile phones
4.4.Visitors use of personal devices and mobile phones
- Policy decisions
5.1.Reducing online risks
5.2.Internet use throughout the school/setting and wider community
5.3.Authorising internet access
- Engagement approaches
6.1.Engagement of children
6.2.Engagement of children who are considered to be vulnerable
6.3.Engagement of staff
6.4.Engagement of parents/carers
- Managing information systems
7.1.Managing personal data online
7.2.Security and managing information systems
7.4.Management of applications to record progress
- Responding to online incidents and concerns
- Creating an Online Safety Ethos
1.1 Aims and policy scope
Greatstone Primary School believes that online safety (e-Safety) is an essential element of safeguarding children and adults in the digital world, when using technology such as computers, mobile phones or games consoles.
Greatstone Primary School identifies that the internet and information communication technologies are an important part of everyday life so children must be supported to be able to learn how to develop strategies to manage and respond to risk so they can be empowered to build resilience online.
Greatstone Primary School has a duty to provide the school community with quality Internet access to raise education standards, promote pupil achievement, support professional work of staff and enhance the schools management functions. Greatstone Primary School also identifies that with this there is a clear duty to ensure that children are protected from potential harm online.
The purpose of Greatstone Primary School online safety policy is to:
o Clearly identify the key principles expected of all members of the community with regards to the safe and responsible use technology to ensure that Greatstone Primary School is a safe and secure environment.
o Safeguard and protect all members of Greatstone Primary School community online.
o Raise awareness with all members of Greatstone Primary School community regarding the potential risks as well as benefits of technology.
o To enable all staff to work safely and responsibly, to role model positive behaviour online and be aware of the need to manage their own standards and practice when using technology.
o Identify clear procedures to use when responding to online safety concerns that are known by all members of the community.
This policy applies to all staff including the governing body, teachers, support staff, external contractors , visitors, volunteers and other individuals who work for or provide services on behalf of the school (collectively referred to as ‘staff‘ in this policy) as well as children and parents/carers.
This policy applies to all access to the internet and use of information communication devices including personal devices or where children, staff or other individuals have been provided with school issued devices for use off-site, such as a work laptop or mobile phone.
This policy must be read in conjunction with other relevant school policies including (but not limited to) safeguarding and child protection, anti-bullying, behaviour, data security, image use, Acceptable Use Policies, confidentiality, and relevant curriculum policies including Computing, Personal Social Health and Education (PSHE), Citizenship and Sex and Relationships education (SRE)
1.2 Writing and reviewing the online safety policy
Greatstone Primary School online safety policy has been written by the school, involving staff, pupils and parents/carers, building on the KCC online safety policy template with specialist advice and input as required.
The policy has been approved and agreed by the Leadership Team and Governing Body
The School has appointed a member of the Governing Body to take lead responsibility for online safety (e-Safety).
The school has appointed a member of the Leadership Team as the online safety lead.
The schools online safety (e–Safety) Policy and its implementation will be reviewed at least annually or sooner if required.
1.3 Key responsibilities of the community
1.3.1 Key responsibilities of the School Leadership Team are:
Developing, owning and promoting the online safety vision and culture to all stakeholders in line with national and local best practice recommendations with appropriate support and consultation throughout the school community.
Auditing and evaluating current online safety practice to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Supporting the online safety (e-Safety) lead in the development of an online safety culture within the setting.
Ensuring there are appropriate and up-to-date policies and procedures regarding online safety.
To ensure that suitable, age-appropriate and relevant filtering is in place to protect children from inappropriate content (including extremist material) to meet the needs of the school community and ensuring that the filtering and school network system is actively monitored.
Ensuring all members of staff receive regular, up-to-date and appropriate training regarding online safety roles and responsibilities and provide guidance regarding safe appropriate communications.
Ensuring that online safety is embedded within a progressive whole school curriculum which enables all pupils to develop an age-appropriate understanding of online safety and the associated risks and safe behaviours.
Making appropriate resources available to support the development of an online safety culture.
Taking responsibility for online safety incidents and liaising with external agencies as appropriate.
Ensure that appropriate risk assessments are undertaken regarding the safe use of technology, including ensuring the safe and responsible use of devices.
To work with and support technical staff in monitoring the safety and security of schools systems and networks.
To ensure a member of the Governing Body is identified with a lead responsibility for supporting online safety.
1.3.2 Key responsibilities of the designated safeguarding/online safety lead are:
Keeping up-to-date with current research, legislation and trends.
Coordinating participation in local and national events to promote positive online behaviour, e.g. Safer Internet Day.
Ensuring that online safety is promoted to parents and carers and the wider community through a variety of channels and approaches.
Work with the school/setting lead for data protection and data security to ensure that practice is in line with legislation.
Maintaining an online safety incident/action log to record incidents and actions taken as part of the schools safeguarding recording structures and mechanisms.
Monitor the school/settings online safety incidents to identify gaps/trends and update the education response to reflect need and to report to the school management team, Governing Body and other agencies as appropriate.
Liaising with the local authority and other local and national bodies as appropriate.
Reviewing and updating online safety policies, Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs) and other procedures on a regular basis (at least annually) with stakeholder input.
Ensuring that online safety is integrated with other appropriate school policies and procedures.
1.3.3 Key responsibilities of staff are:
Contributing to the development of online safety policies.
Reading the school Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs) and adhering to them.
Taking responsibility for the security of school/setting systems and data.
Having an awareness of online safety issues, and how they relate to the children in their care.
Modelling good practice in using new and emerging technologies and demonstrating an emphasis on positive learning opportunities rather than focusing on negatives.
Embedding online safety education in curriculum delivery wherever possible.
Knowing when and how to escalate online safety issues, internally and externally.
Being able to signpost to appropriate support available for online safety issues, internally and externally.
Maintaining a professional level of conduct in their personal use of technology, both on and off site.
1.3.4. Additional responsibilities for staff managing the technical environment are:
Providing a safe and secure technical infrastructure which support safe online practices while ensuring that learning opportunities are still maximised.
Taking responsibility for the implementation of safe security of systems and data in partnership with the leadership and management team.
To ensure that suitable access controls and encryption is implemented to protect personal and sensitive information held on school-owned devices.
Ensuring that the schools filtering policy is applied and updated on a regular basis and that responsibility for its implementation is shared with the online safety lead and DSL.
Ensuring that the use of the setting’s network is regularly monitored in order that any deliberate or accidental misuse can be reported to the online safety lead and DSL.
Report any breaches or concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead and leadership team and together ensure that they are recorded on the e Safety Incident Log, and appropriate action is taken as advised.
Developing an understanding of the relevant legislation as it relates to the security and safety of the technical infrastructure.
Report any breaches and liaising with the local authority (or other local or national bodies) as appropriate on technical infrastructure issues.
Ensuring that the school’s ICT infrastructure/system is secure and not open to misuse or malicious attack.
Ensuring that appropriate anti-virus software and system updates are installed and maintained on all setting machines and portable devices.
Ensure that appropriately strong passwords are applied and enforced for all but the youngest users.
1.3.5 Key responsibilities of children are:
Contributing to the development of online safety policies.
Reading the school/setting Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs) and adhering to them.
Respecting the feelings and rights of others both on and offline.
Seeking help from a trusted adult if things go wrong, and supporting others that may be experiencing online safety issues.
At a level that is appropriate to their individual age, ability and vulnerabilities:
Taking responsibility for keeping themselves and others safe online.
Taking responsibility for their own awareness and learning in relation to the opportunities and risks posed by new and emerging technologies.
1.3.6. Key responsibilities of parents and carers are:
Reading the school/setting Acceptable Use Policies, encouraging their children to adhere to them, and adhering to them themselves where appropriate.
Discussing online safety issues with their children, supporting the school in their online safety approaches, and reinforcing appropriate safe online behaviours at home.
Role modelling safe and appropriate uses of new and emerging technology.
Identifying changes in behaviour that could indicate that their child is at risk of harm online.
Seeking help and support from the school, or other appropriate agencies, if they or their child encounters online problems or concerns.
Taking responsibility for their own awareness and learning in relation to the opportunities and risks posed by new and emerging technologies.
- Online Communication and Safer Use of Technology
2.1 Managing the school/setting website
The school will ensure that information posted on the school website meets the requirements as identified by the Department for Education.
The contact details on the website will be the school address, email and telephone number. Staff or pupils’ personal information will not be published.
The Headteacher will take overall editorial responsibility for online content published by the school and will ensure that content published is accurate and appropriate.
The school website will comply with the school’s guidelines for publications including respect for intellectual property rights, privacy policies and copyright.
The school will post information about safeguarding, including online safety on the school website.
2.2 Publishing images and videos online
Written permission from parents or carers will always be obtained before images/videos of pupils are electronically published.
2.3 Managing email
Pupils may only use school/setting provided email accounts for educational purposes.
All members of staff are provided with a specific school/setting email address to use for any official communication.
The use of personal email addresses by staff for any official school/setting business is not permitted.
The forwarding of any chain messages/emails etc. is not permitted. Spam or junk mail will be blocked and reported to the email provider.
Any electronic communication which contains any content which could be subject to data protection legislation must only be sent using secure and encrypted methods.
Members of the school community must immediately tell a designated member of staff if they receive offensive communication.
Sensitive or personal information will only be shared via email in accordance with data protection legislation.
Email sent to external organisations should be written carefully and authorised before sending, in the same way as a letter written on school headed paper would be.
School email addresses and other official contact details will not be used for setting up personal social media accounts.
2.4 Appropriate and safe classroom use of the internet and associated devices
The school’s internet access will be designed to enhance and extend education.
Access levels to the internet will be reviewed to reflect the curriculum requirements and the age and ability of pupils.
Pupils will use age and ability appropriate tools to search the Internet for content.
Google presents filtered search returns .
Internet use is a key feature of educational access and all children will receive age and ability appropriate education to support and enable them to develop strategies to respond to concerns as part of an embedded whole school curriculum.
The school will ensure that the use of Internet-derived materials by staff and pupils complies with copyright law and acknowledge the source of information.
All members of staff are aware that they cannot rely on filtering alone to safeguard children and supervision, classroom management and education about safe and responsible use is essential.
Supervision of pupils will be appropriate to their age and ability.
o At Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 pupils’ access to the Internet will be by adult demonstration with occasional directly supervised access to specific and approved online materials which supports the learning outcomes planned for the pupils’ age and ability.
o At Key Stage 2 pupils will be supervised. Pupils will use age-appropriate search engines and online tools and online activities will be teacher-directed where necessary. Children will be directed to online material and resources which support the learning outcomes planned for the pupils’ age and ability.
All school owned devices will be used in accordance with the school Acceptable Use Policy and with appropriate safety and security measure in place.
Pupils will be educated in the effective use of the Internet in research, including the skills of knowledge location, retrieval and evaluation.
The school will use age appropriate search tool Google as decided by the school following an informed risk assessment to identify which tool best suits the needs of our community.
The school will use the internet to enable pupils and staff to communicate and collaborate in a safe and secure environment.
Pupils will be taught to be critically aware of the materials they read and shown how to validate information before accepting its accuracy.
The evaluation of online materials is a part of teaching and learning in every subject and will be viewed as a whole-school/setting requirement across the curriculum.
Members of staff will always evaluate websites, tools and apps fully before use in the classroom or recommending for use at home.
2.5 Management of school learning platforms/portals/gateways
SLT and staff will regularly monitor the usage of the LP by pupils and staff in all areas, in particular message and communication tools and publishing facilities.
Pupils/staff will be advised about acceptable conduct and use when using the LP.
Only members of the current pupil, parent/carers and staff community will have access to the LP.
All users will be mindful of copyright issues and will only upload appropriate content onto the LP.
When staff, pupils etc. leave the school their account or rights to specific school areas will be disabled or transferred to their new establishment.
Any concerns about content on the LP may be recorded and dealt with in the following ways:
o The material will be removed by the site administrator.
o Access to the LP for the user may be suspended.
o The user will need to discuss the issues with a member of leadership before reinstatement.
A visitor may be invited onto the LP by a member of the leadership. In this instance there may be an agreed focus or a limited time slot.
Pupils may require editorial approval from a member of staff. This may be given to the pupil to fulfil a specific aim and may have a limited time frame.
- Social Media Policy
3.1. General social media use
Expectations regarding safe and responsible use of social media will apply to all members of Greatstone Primary School community and exist in order to safeguard both the school and the wider community, on and offline. Examples of social media may include blogs, wikis, social networking, forums, bulletin boards, multiplayer online gaming, apps, video/photo sharing sites, chatrooms, instant messenger and many others.
All members of Greatstone Primary School community will be encouraged to engage in social media in a positive, safe and responsible manner at all times.
Information about safe and responsible use of social media will be communicated clearly and regularly to all members of Greatstone Primary School community.
All members of Greatstone Primary School community are advised not to publish specific and detailed private thoughts, concerns, pictures or messages on any social media services, especially content that may be considered threatening, hurtful or defamatory to others.
The school will control pupils and staff access to social media and social networking sites whilst on site and using school provided devices and systems in accordance to the Schools acceptable use policy
The use of social networking applications during school hours for personal use is not permitted, i.e after 9am and before 3.15pm.
Any concerns regarding the online conduct of any member of Greatstone Primary School community on social media sites should be reported to the school leadership team and will be managed in accordance with existing school policies such as anti-bullying, allegations against staff, behaviour and safeguarding/child protection.
Any breaches of school policy may result in criminal, disciplinary or civil action being taken and this will depend upon the age of those involved and the circumstances of the wrong committed. Action taken will be accordance with the relevant school policies, such as anti-bullying, allegations against staff, behaviour and safeguarding/child protection.
3.2. Official use of social media
Official use of social media sites by the school will only take place with clear educational or community engagement objectives with specific intended outcomes e.g. increasing parental engagement.
Official use of social media sites as communication tools will be risk assessed and formally approved by the headteacher.
Official school social media channels will be set up as distinct and dedicated social media site or account for educational or engagement purposes.
Staff will use school provided email addresses to register for and manage official school approved social media channels.
Members of staff running official school social media channels will sign a specific Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) to ensure they are aware of the required behaviours and expectations of use and to ensure that sites are used safely, responsibly and in accordance with local and national guidance and legislation.
All communication on official school social media platforms will be clear, transparent and open to scrutiny.
Any online publication on official school social media sites will comply with legal requirements including the Data Protection Act 1998, right to privacy conferred by the Human Rights Act 1998, or similar duty to protect private information and will not breach any common law duty of confidentiality, copyright etc.
Official social media use by the school will be in line with existing policies including anti-bullying and child protection.
Images or videos of children will only be shared on official school social media sites/channels in accordance with the school image use policy.
Information about safe and responsible use of school social media channels will be communicated clearly and regularly to all members of the school community.
Official social media sites, blogs or wikis will be suitably protected (e.g. password protected) and where possible/appropriate, run and/or linked to from the school website and take place with written approval from the Leadership Teams.
Leadership staff must be aware of account information and relevant details for social media channels in case of emergency such as staff absence.
Parents/Carers and pupils will be informed of any official school social media use, along with expectations for safe use and school action taken to safeguard the community.
Greatstone Primary School official social media channels are:
Twitter – @GreatstonePS
Public communications on behalf of the school will, where possible, be read and agreed by at least one other colleague.
The school social media account will link back to the school website and/or Acceptable Use Policy to demonstrate that the account is official.
The school will ensure that any official social media use does not exclude members of the community who are unable or unwilling to use social media channels.
3.3 Staff official use of social media
If members of staff are participating in online activity as part of their capacity as an employee of the school, then they are requested to be professional at all times and that they are an ambassador for the school.
Staff using social media officially will disclose their official role/position but always make it clear that they do not necessarily speak on behalf of the school.
Staff using social media officially will be responsible, credible, fair and honest at all times and consider how the information being published could be perceived or shared.
Staff using social media officially will always act within the legal frameworks they would adhere to within school, including libel, defamation, confidentiality, copyright, data protection as well as equalities laws.
Staff must ensure that any image posted on the school social media channel have appropriate written parental consent.
Staff using social media officially will be accountable and must not disclose information, make commitments or engage in activities on behalf of the school unless they are authorised to do so.
Staff using social media officially will inform their line manager, the school online safety (e-Safety) lead and/or the head teacher of any concerns such as criticism or inappropriate content posted online.
Staff will not engage with any direct or private messaging with pupils or parents/carers through social media and should communicate via school communication channels.
Staff using social media officially will sign the school social media Acceptable Use Policy before official social media use will take place.
3.4 Staff personal use of social media
Personal use of social networking, social media and personal publishing sites will be discussed with all members of staff as part of staff induction and will be revisited and communicated via regular staff training opportunities.
Safe and professional behaviour will be outlined for all members of staff (including volunteers) as part of the school Acceptable Use Policy.
All members of staff are advised not to communicate with or add as ‘friends’ any current or past pupils or current or past pupils’ family members via any personal social media sites, applications or profiles. Any pre-existing relationships or exceptions that may compromise this will be discussed with the Headteacher.
All communication between staff and members of the school community on school business will take place via official approved communication channels – http://www.greatstoneschool.co.uk
Staff should not use personal accounts or information to make contact with pupils or parents, nor should any contact be accepted, except in circumstance whereby prior approval has been given by the Headteacher.
Any communication from pupils/parents received on personal social media accounts will be reported to the schools designated safeguarding lead.
Information staff members have access to as part of their employment, including photos and personal information about pupils and their family members, colleagues etc. will not be shared or discussed on personal social media sites.
All members of staff are strongly advised to safeguard themselves and their privacy when using social media sites. This will include being aware of location sharing services, setting the privacy levels of their personal sites as strictly as they can, opting out of public listings on social networking sites, logging out of accounts after use and keeping passwords safe and confidential.
All members of staff are encouraged to carefully consider the information, including text and images, they share and post online and should ensure that their social media use is compatible with their professional role, in accordance with schools policies (safeguarding, confidentiality, data protection etc.) and the wider professional and legal framework.
Members of staff will be encouraged to manage and control the content they share and post online. Advice will be provided to staff via staff training and by sharing appropriate guidance and resources on a regular basis.
Members of staff will notify the Leadership/Management Team immediately if they consider that any content shared or posted via any information and communications technology, including emails or social networking sites conflicts with their role in the school/setting.
Members of staff are encouraged not to identify themselves as employees of Greatstone Primary School on their personal social networking accounts. This is to prevent information on these sites from being linked with the school and also to safeguard the privacy of staff members and the wider school community.
Member of staff will ensure that they do not represent their personal views as that of the school on social media.
School email addresses will not be used for setting up personal social media accounts.
Members of staff who follow/like the schools social media channels will be advised to use dedicated professionals accounts where possible to avoid blurring professional boundaries.
3.5 Pupils use of social media
Personal publishing on social media sites will be taught to pupils as part of an embedded and progressive education approach via age appropriate sites which have been risk assessed and approved as suitable for educational purposes.
Pupils will be advised to consider the risks of sharing personal details of any kind on social media sites which may identify them and / or their location. Examples would include real/full name, address, mobile or landline phone numbers, school attended, Instant messenger contact details, email addresses, full names of friends/family, specific interests and clubs etc.
Pupils will be encouraged to approve and invite known friends only on social networking sites and to deny access to others by making profiles private/protected.
Parents will be informed of any official social media use with pupils and written parental consent will be obtained, as required.
The school is aware that many popular social media sites state that they are not for children under the age of 13, therefore the School will not create accounts within school specifically for children under this age.
Any concerns regarding pupils’ use of social networking, social media and personal publishing sites, both at home and at school, will be dealt with in accordance with existing school policies including anti-bullying and behaviour. Concerns will be raised with their parents/carers, particularly when concerning any underage use of social media sites.
- Use of Personal Devices and Mobile Phones
4.1 Rationale regarding personal devices and mobile phones
Greatstone Primary School recognises that personal communication through mobile technologies is an accepted part of everyday life for pupils, staff and parents/carers but requires that such technologies need to be used safely and appropriately within school.
4.2 Expectations for safe use of personal devices and mobile phones
Electronic devices of all kinds that are brought in to school are the responsibility of the user at all times. The school accepts no responsibility for the loss, theft or damage of such items. Nor will the school accept responsibility for any adverse health effects caused by any such devices either potential or actual.
Mobile phones and personal devices are not permitted to be used in certain areas within the school site such as toilets.
The sending of abusive or inappropriate messages or content via mobile phones or personal devices is forbidden by any member of the school community and any breaches will be dealt with as part of the school discipline/behaviour policy.
Members of staff will be issued with a school/work phone number and email address where contact with pupils or parents/carers is required.
All members of Greatstone Primary School community will be advised to take steps to protect their mobile phones or devices from loss, theft or damage.
All members of Greatstone Primary School community will be advised to ensure that their mobile phones and personal devices do not contain any content which may be considered to be offensive, derogatory or would otherwise contravene the school/settings policies.
School/setting mobile phones and devices must always be used in accordance with the Acceptable Use Policy
School/setting mobile phones and devices used for communication with parents and pupils must be suitably protected via a passcode/password/pin and must only be accessed and used by members of staff.
4.3 Staff use of personal devices and mobile phones
Members of staff are not permitted to use their own personal phones or devices for contacting children, young people and their families within or outside of the setting in a professional capacity. Any pre-exiting relationships which could compromise this must be discussed with leaders/managers.
Staff will not use personal devices such as mobile phones, tablets or cameras to take photos or videos of children and will only use work-provided equipment for this purpose.
Staff will not use any personal devices directly with children and will only use work-provided equipment during lessons/educational activities.
Staff personal mobile phones and devices will be switched off/switched to ‘silent’ mode during lesson times.
Bluetooth or other forms of communication should be “hidden” or switched off during lesson times.
Personal mobile phones or devices will not be used during teaching periods unless permission has been given by a member of the Leadership Team in emergency circumstances.
Staff will ensure that any content bought on site via mobile phones and personal devices are compatible with their professional role and expectations.
If a member of staff breaches the school/setting policy then disciplinary action will be taken.
If a member of staff is thought to have illegal content saved or stored on a mobile phone or personal device or have committed a criminal offence then the police will be contacted and allegations will be responding to following the allegations management policy.
4.4 Visitors use of personal devices and mobile phones
Parents/carers and visitors must use mobile phones and personal devices in accordance with the schools policy.
Use of mobile phones or personal devices by visitors and parents/carers to take photos or videos must take place in accordance with the school image use policy.
The school will ensure appropriate signage and information is displayed and provided to inform visitors of expectations of use.
Staff will be expected to challenge concerns when safe and appropriate and will always inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead of any breaches of use by visitors.
- Policy Decisions
5.1. Reducing online risks
Greatstone Primary School is aware that the Internet is a constantly changing environment with new apps, tools, devices, sites and material emerging at a rapid pace.
Emerging technologies will be examined for educational benefit and the school leadership team will ensure that appropriate risk assessments are carried out before use in school is allowed.
The school will ensure that appropriate filtering systems are in place to prevent staff and pupils from accessing unsuitable or illegal content.
The school will take all reasonable precautions to ensure that users access only appropriate material. However, due to the global and connected nature of Internet content, it is not possible to guarantee that access to unsuitable material will never occur via a school computer or device.
The school will audit technology use to establish if the online safety (e–Safety) policy is adequate and that the implementation of the policy is appropriate.
5.2. Internet use throughout the wider school/setting community
The school will provide an Acceptable Use Policy for any guest/visitor who needs to access the school computer system or internet on site
5.3 Authorising internet access
The school will maintain a current record of all staff and pupils who are granted access to the school’s electronic communications.
All staff, pupils and visitors will read and sign the School Acceptable Use Policy before using any school ICT resources.
Parents will be informed that pupils will be provided with supervised Internet access which is appropriate to their age and ability.
Parents will be asked to read the School Acceptable Use Policy for pupil access and discuss it with their child, where appropriate.
When considering access for vulnerable members of the school community (such as with children with special education needs) the school will make decisions based on the specific needs and understanding of the pupil(s).
- Engagement Approaches
6.1 Engagement and education of children
An online safety (e-Safety) curriculum will be established and embedded throughout the whole school, to raise awareness regarding the importance of safe and responsible internet use amongst pupils.
Education about safe and responsible use will precede internet access.
Pupils input will be sought when writing and developing school online safety policies and practices.
Pupils will be supported in reading and understanding the school Acceptable Use Policy in a way which suits their age and ability.
All users will be informed that network and Internet use will be monitored.
Pupil instruction regarding responsible and safe use will precede Internet access.
Online safety (e-Safety) will be included in the PSHE, SRE, Citizenship and Computing programmes of study covering both safe school and home use.
across the Key Stages and when moving between establishments.
The pupil Acceptable Use expectations and Posters will be posted in all rooms with Internet access.
Safe and responsible use of the Internet and technology will be reinforced across the curriculum and within all subject areas.
External support will be used to complement and support the schools internal online safety (e-Safety) education approaches.
6.2 Engagement and education of children and young people who are considered to be vulnerable
Greatstone Primary School is aware that some children may be considered to be more vulnerable online due to a range of factors and will ensure that differentiated and ability appropriate online safety (e-Safety) education is given, with input from specialist staff as appropriate (e.g. SENCO).
6.3 Engagement and education of staff
The online safety (e-Safety) policy will be formally provided to and discussed with all members of staff as part of induction and will be reinforced and highlighted as part of school safeguarding practice.
To protect all staff and pupils, the school will implement Acceptable Use Policies which highlights appropriate online conduct and communication.
Staff will be made aware that Internet traffic can be monitored and traced to the individual user. Discretion and professional conduct is essential.
Up-to-date and appropriate staff training in safe and responsible Internet use, both professionally and personally, will be provided for all members of staff on a regular basis.
Members of staff with a responsibility for managing filtering systems or monitor ICT use will be supervised by the Leadership Team and will have clear procedures for reporting issues or concerns.
The school will highlight useful online tools which staff should use with children in the classroom. These tools will vary according to the age and ability of the pupils.
All members of staff will be made aware that their online conduct out of school could have an impact on their role and reputation within school. Civil, legal or disciplinary action could be taken if they are found to bring the profession or institution into disrepute, or if something is felt to have undermined confidence in their professional abilities.
6.4 Engagement and education of parents and carers
Greatstone Primary School recognise that parents/carers have an essential role to play in enabling children to become safe and responsible users of the internet and digital technology.
Parents’ attention will be drawn to the school online safety (e-Safety) policy and expectations in newsletters, letters, the school prospectus and on the school website.
A partnership approach to online safety at home and at school with parents will be encouraged. This may include offering parent evenings with demonstrations and suggestions for safe home Internet use or highlighting online safety at other well attended events e.g. parent evenings, transition events, fetes and sports days.
Parents will be requested to read online safety information as part of the Home School Agreement.
Parents will be encouraged to read the school Acceptable Use Policy for pupils and discuss its implications with their children.
Information and guidance for parents on online safety will be made available to parents in a variety of formats.
Parents will be encouraged to role model positive behaviour for their children online.
- Managing Information Systems
7.1 Managing personal data online
Personal data will be recorded, processed, transferred and made available according to the Data Protection Act 1998.
Full information regarding the schools approach to data protection and information governance can be found in the schools information security policy.
7.2 Security and Management of Information Systems
The security of the school information systems and users will be reviewed regularly.
Virus protection will be updated regularly.
Personal data sent over the Internet or taken off site (such as via portable media storage) will be encrypted or accessed via appropriate secure remote access systems.
Portable media may not be used without specific permission followed by an anti-virus /malware scan.
Unapproved software will not be allowed in work areas or attached to email.
Files held on the school’s network will be regularly checked.
The IT Technician will review system capacity regularly.
The appropriate use of user logins and passwords to access the school network will be enforced for all but the youngest users.
All users will be expected to log off or lock their screens/devices if systems are unattended.
The school will log and record internet use on all school owned devices through EIS (Greatstone Primary School’s ISP)
All users will be informed not to share passwords or information with others and not to login as another user at any time.
Staff and pupils must always keep their password private and must not share it with others or leave it where others can find it.
All members of staff will have their own unique username and private passwords to access school systems. Members of staff are responsible for keeping their password private.
We require staff to use STRONG passwords for access into our system.
7.3 Filtering Decisions
The school’s internet access strategy will be dependent on the need and requirements of our community and will therefore be designed to suit the age and curriculum requirements of our pupils, with advice from technical, educational and safeguarding staff.
The school uses educational filtered secure broadband connectivity through the KPSN which is appropriate to the age and requirement of our pupils.
The school uses Light Speed filtering system which blocks sites that fall into categories such as pornography, racial hatred, extremism, gaming, sites of an illegal nature, etc. (The school will ensure that age and ability appropriate filtering is in place whilst using school devices and systems to try and prevent staff and pupils from being accidentally or deliberately exposed to unsuitable content.
The school will work with KCC and the Schools Broadband team to ensure that filtering policy is continually reviewed.
If staff or pupils discover unsuitable sites, the URL will be reported to the School Designated Safeguarding Lead and will then be recorded and escalated as appropriate.
The School filtering system will block all sites on the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) list.
The Leadership Team will ensure that regular checks are made to ensure that the filtering methods selected are effective and appropriate.
Any material that the school believes is illegal will be reported to appropriate agencies such as IWF, Kent Police or CEOP immediately.
7.4 Management of applications (apps) used to record children’s progress
The Headteacher is ultimately responsible for the security of any data or images held of children.
Apps/systems which store personal data will be risk assessed prior to use.
Personal staff mobile phones or devices will not be used for any apps which record and store children’s personal details, attainment or photographs.
Only school issued devices will be used for apps that record and store children’s personal details, attainment or photographs.
Devices will be appropriately encrypted if taken off site to prevent a data security breach in the event of loss or theft.
Staff and parents/carers will be advised on safety measures to protect all members of the community such as using strong passwords, logging out of systems etc.
- Responding to OnlineIncidents and Concerns
All members of the school/setting community will be informed about the procedure for reporting online safety (e-Safety) concerns (such as breaches of filtering, cyberbullying, illegal content etc.).
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will be informed of any online safety (e-Safety) incidents involving child protection concerns, which will then be recorded.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will ensure that online safety concerns are escalated and reported to relevant agencies in line with the Kent Safeguarding Children Board thresholds and procedures.
Complaints about Internet misuse will be dealt with under the School’s complaints procedure.
Complaints about online bullying will be dealt with under the School’s anti-bullying policy and procedure
Any complaint about staff misuse will be referred to the head teacher
Any allegations against a member of staff’s online conduct will be discussed with the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer).
Pupils, parents and staff will be informed of the schools complaints procedure.
Staff will be informed of the complaints and whistleblowing procedure.
All members of the school community will need to be aware of the importance of confidentiality and the need to follow the official school procedures for reporting concerns.
All members of the school community will be reminded about safe and appropriate behaviour online and the importance of not posting any content, comments, images or videos online which cause harm, distress or offence to any other members of the school community.
The school will manage online safety (e-Safety) incidents in accordance with the school discipline/behaviour policy where appropriate.
The school will inform parents/carers of any incidents of concerns as and when required.
After any investigations are completed, the school will debrief, identify lessons learnt and implement any changes as required.
Where there is cause for concern or fear that illegal activity has taken place or is taking place then the school will contact the Education Safeguards Team or Kent Police via 999 if there is immediate danger or risk of harm.
The use of computer systems without permission or for inappropriate purposes could constitute a criminal offence under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 and breaches will be reported to Kent Police.
If the school is unsure how to proceed with any incidents of concern, then the incident will be escalated to the Education Safeguarding Team.
If an incident of concern needs to be passed beyond the school then the concern will be escalated to the Education Safeguarding Team to communicate to other schools/settings in Kent.
Parents and children will need to work in partnership with the school to resolve issues.