Keeping children safe online is an essential part of our safeguarding responsibility.

At Wheatcroft Community Primary School, we teach pupils how to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly, and we work in partnership with families to help children stay safe beyond the classroom.

Our Approach to Online Safety

Online safety is taught across the curriculum, including computing, PSHE and assemblies. Children learn how to:

• Recognise risks online and make safe choices

• Protect personal information

• Communicate respectfully

• Report concerns or worries

• Understand age restrictions and why they matter

• Use technology for learning in a positive, balanced way

Online safety is also embedded in our safeguarding policies, staff training and whole-school culture.

How We Keep Children Safe in School

We use a combination of technical measures and education to protect pupils:

• Filtered and monitored internet access

• Secure school devices with appropriate controls

• Regular staff training in online safety and digital safeguarding

• Clear acceptable use agreements for pupils and staff

• Ongoing monitoring of trends, concerns or new risks

• Rapid response procedures for any online safety incidents

Support for Parents and Carers

Children often need help navigating the online world. We work closely with parents to provide guidance and support. Learning about keeping safe online is a key skill for all children to learn. Parents and Carers need to keep up to date with ever-changing technology to help their children be safe outside of school too. Here are some links to websites with useful information and help guides:

• NSPCC
• Social Media
• Parents’ Guide to Tech
• Parent’s Guide to Apps
• E-Safety Leaflets and Posters
• Social Media guides and help

• National Online Safety (NOS) – guides for apps, games and devices

• CEOP (Online Safety) - https://www.ceopeducation.co.uk/11_18/lets-talk-about/online-safety/

• CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) – advice and report concerns

• ThinkUKnow – age-appropriate activities and parent information

• Internet Matters – expert advice on filters, controls and online behaviours

• NSPCC Online Safety – support for managing risks at home

We regularly share updates through newsletters, workshops and school communications to help families keep up to date with new apps, trends and risks.

Reporting Concerns

If you or your child ever have a worry about something online, please contact:

• The school DSL team via the school office

• CEOP if a child is at risk of online harm: www.ceop.police.uk

Encourage your child to speak to a trusted adult in school if something online doesn’t feel right.

Working Together

Online safety is most effective when school and home work together. By teaching children to think critically, communicate safely and behave responsibly online, we empower them to use digital technology confidently and positively.