At High View Primary School the safeguarding of pupils is a very high priority. We are committed to ensuring our pupils are safe in school and online. By giving the pupils the knowledge to safeguard themselves and their personal information we are empowering them with a vital life skill.

We understand the internet and other digital technologies are powerful tools, which open up new opportunities. Electronic communication helps teachers and pupils learn from each other. These technologies can stimulate discussion, promote creativity and stimulate awareness of context to promote effective learning.

We work with staff, pupils and parents/carers to value the use of new technologies in enhancing learning, encourage responsible use of ICT throughout the curriculum and follow agreed policies to minimise potential online/e-safety risk.

We have developed age appropriate Online Safety planning for all pupils from Reception to Year 6 that promotes their safety teaches the pupils to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable and unacceptable behaviour and identify a range of ways to report concerns or seek help about content and contact.

What is Online/E-Safety?

Online/E-safety is the safe use of information systems and electronic communications, including the internet, mobile phones and games consoles. It is important that children and young people understand the benefits, risks and responsibilities of using information technology.

Online/E-safety is:

• safeguarding children and young people in the digital world.
• learning to understand and use new technologies in a positive way.
• less about restriction and more about education about the risks as well as the benefits so we can feel confident online.
• supporting children and young people to develop safer online behaviours both in and out of school

Online/E-safety forms part of our curriculum and pupils are regularly reminded of how to stay safe online. Each classroom and teaching space displays a poster about staying SMART online. 

If you have any concerns speak to a member of the school's safeguarding team. 

Using the Internet safely at home

Whilst many Internet Service Providers offer filtering systems to help you safeguard your child at home, it remains surprisingly easy for children to access inappropriate material including unsuitable texts, images and movies. Parents/carers are advised to set the security levels within Internet Browsers with this in mind.

Locating the device to access the Internet in a family area will enable you to supervise children as they use the Internet. However, don’t deny your child the opportunity to learn from the wide variety of material and games available on the Internet. Instead, set some simple rules for keeping them safe and make sure they understand the importance of these rules.

Simple, suggested rules for keeping your child safe

• ask your permission before they use the Internet
• only use websites you have chosen together or a child friendly search engine (eg. Swiggle)
• only email people they know (perhaps an address book would be useful)
• ask permission before opening an email sent by someone they don’t know
• do not use Internet chat rooms
• do not use their real name when using games on the Internet (perhaps encourage them to create a suitable nick name)
• never give out a home address or personal contact details
• never tell someone where they go to school
• never send an image of themselves, their home or school
• never arrange to meet someone they have ‘met’ on the Internet
• only use a webcam with people they know
• ask them to tell you immediately if they see anything they are unhappy with 

Using these rules

Go through the rules with your child and ensure they understand what you suggest and agree together. It is also a good idea to regularly check the Internet sites your child is visiting e.g. by clicking on History and Favourites. Please reassure your child that you want to keep them safe rather than take Internet access away from them.