E-Safety

Online Safety

At Pippins School, online safety is an important part of safeguarding. We want children to enjoy the opportunities technology provides while learning how to use it safely, responsibly and respectfully.

Online safety is taught throughout the year within Computing, PSHE and the wider curriculum. Our curriculum develops progressively from managing emotions and keeping information private to recognising unreliable information, understanding app permissions, responding to online bullying and protecting an online reputation.

Children learn to:

• keep personal information and passwords secure;

• communicate kindly and respectfully;

• recognise inappropriate or unreliable content;

• understand the consequences of sharing information;

• report upsetting content or contact to a trusted adult;

• make safe choices when using games, apps, social media and other technology.

This reflects the National Curriculum expectation that pupils use technology safely and responsibly and know how to report concerns. It also supports the Department for Education’s whole-school approach to teaching children how to stay safe and behave appropriately online. (GOV.UK)

Filtering and Monitoring

The school uses appropriate filtering and monitoring systems on its network and managed devices. These arrangements help prevent access to harmful material and allow concerns to be identified and addressed.

Our provision is reviewed regularly in line with statutory safeguarding guidance and the Department for Education’s filtering and monitoring standards. (GOV.UK)

Helping Your Child at Home

Parents and carers can support online safety by:

• talking regularly about what their child does online;

• checking age restrictions, privacy settings and parental controls;

• agreeing sensible boundaries for devices and screen time;

• reminding children not to share personal information;

• encouraging children to report anything that worries or upsets them.

Children should know that they can always speak to a trusted adult, even when they have made a mistake.

Reporting a Concern

Please speak to your child’s class teacher or contact the school if an online incident is affecting your child’s safety, wellbeing or learning.

You can also access advice and reporting support through:

• Report Harmful Content – advice and support for reporting harmful online material.

• UK Safer Internet Centre: What Are the Issues? – guidance about common online risks.

• Childnet: Help and Advice for Parents and Carers – practical family advice.

• Childnet Parent and Carer Resource Sheet – useful resources and conversation starters.

• CEOP Safety Centre – report concerns about online sexual abuse, grooming or inappropriate contact.

• Childline – confidential advice and support for children.

In an emergency, call 999.