Online Safety

As a school we have:   

• a trained workforce who are confident in online safety, identifying and responding to concerns
• resources to teach children and young people the skills to stay safe online
• resources and advice to share with parents and carers
• robust e-safety policies and procedures, IT infrastructure and support and regular reviewing of our online safety provision. 

Online Safety Policy

To read our On-line Safety Policy, please see our policies page by clicking here

School Acceptable Usage

Please find below the Acceptable Usage Policies for our school. These policies are put in place to ensure everyone can use the digital devices around the school safely and secure in the knowledge that this is of paramount importance to the school.

Please read the policies so that you are aware of the statements your child/children are signing and agreeing to adhere to. If necessary, discuss with your child/children so you know they understand. If you should have any questions regarding these policies, please contact one of our safeguarding team, who will be happy to discuss them with you. An appointment can be booked via the school office.

AUP Pupil KS1 2025-2026

AUP Pupil KS2 2025-2026

Useful Websites

The NSPCC website contains useful information for parents about supporting your child. There are pages about setting parental controls on internet-enabled devices and how to talk to your child about the risks of going online.	Childnet’s website contains tips on what you need to know as a parent, the latest risks and how to seek help if you know someone at risk.	The Parent Zone website contains resources and advice to help keep your child safe online.
The Internet Matters website provides useful articles on online safety, as well as a detailed look at the issues that can affect children.	PEGI is the official ratings system for computer games. Their website explains what they rate and how to understand each of their symbols.	The parent section of the safer internet centre website contains tips, advice, guides and resources  to help keep your child safe online
	CEOP can support you as a parent by providing expert advice, resources, and a trusted way to report concerns about online safety, helping you protect your child in the digital world

Advice for parents about Artificial Intelligence

NSPCC - Artificial intelligence safety tips

Internet Matters - Using artificial intelligence: Facts & advice

Advice for parents and carers about bullying

Anti-bullying alliance - Advice for parents

UK Safer Internet Centre - Cyberbullying – advice for parents and carers

General Principles for Online Safety

Supporting your child online

/i/video/Supporting_young_children_online_Internet_Matters_720p.mp4

Internet Use

• Use devices in shared family spaces. Keeping screens visible helps adults stay aware of what children are doing online and encourages open conversations.
• Talk regularly about online experiences. Ask children what they enjoy online, what apps and games they are using, and whether anything has made them feel worried or unsure.
• Set age-appropriate boundaries. Use parental controls, privacy settings and time-limits to manage screen time and access to apps and websites.
• Encourage critical thinking. Teach children to question what they see online—Is it true? Is it kind? Is it safe? Help them understand that not everything online can be trusted.
• Discuss unsuitable content. Explain that some websites, videos or messages may be upsetting or inappropriate, and that they should always tell a trusted adult if they come across anything they are unsure about.
• Report illegal or harmful content. If you come across material that may be illegal, it can be reported anonymously to the Internet Watch Foundation (www.iwf.org.uk).
• Create lists of trusted sites, apps and platforms. Offer children safe, high-quality websites and recommended resources for research, games and communication.
• Check whether online communities are moderated. If your child uses forums, chat features or social elements in games, ensure they are age-appropriate, supervised and have clear safety and reporting systems.

Emails, Messaging, Gaming and Chat

Children should follow these key rules whenever they are communicating online—whether through email, messaging apps, social media, gaming chats or video platforms:

• Protect personal information. Never share full name, home address, school name, phone number, passwords, or information about friends and family.
• Keep passwords private. Passwords should never be shared with friends. Encourage children to use strong, memorable passwords and keep them secure.
• Think before posting or sending. Remind children that messages, pictures and videos can be shared widely—even if sent privately.
• Stop and tell an adult if something feels wrong. If a message, chat or comment makes them feel uncomfortable, suspicious or upset, they should leave the conversation immediately and speak to a trusted adult.
• Do not reply to unsafe messages. If they receive anything threatening, rude or worrying, they should not respond—simply block, report and tell an adult.
• Be cautious about meeting people from online spaces. Children should never arrange to meet someone they have met online. If a meet-up is ever discussed, it must only happen with a parent/carer present and after careful consideration.
• Check with an adult before sharing images. Children should never send photos, videos or personal details without a responsible adult’s permission.
• Use age-appropriate apps and games. Ensure platforms follow appropriate age ratings and have safety features such as moderation, reporting tools and restricted friend requests.

Artificial Intelligence

• AI tools should only be used by children under adult supervision, as they can sometimes produce inaccurate information or content that is not age-appropriate.
• Encourage children to question what AI generates, helping them understand that AI outputs are not always true, reliable or neutral.
• Remind pupils never to share personal information (names, photos, addresses, school details) with AI chatbots or online tools.
• Check age ratings and platform policies, as many AI tools are designed for users aged 13+ or 18+.
• Discuss responsible use, including being respectful, avoiding harmful prompts, and understanding the consequences of misusing AI to create or share inappropriate content.
• Model safe behaviour, showing children how AI can support learning while still using human judgement, creativity and critical thinking. 

Working Together

Online safety works best when children feel confident to talk openly about their digital lives. If you ever have concerns about your child’s online activity, please speak to the school. We regularly teach online safety through the computing and PSHE curriculum. 

Reporting Concerns 

Our Safeguarding Team

If you ever have a concern about your child’s online safety, please contact our school safeguarding team directly. They are available to listen, offer advice and take any necessary action to keep children safe.

Please see here here for more information about our safeguarding team.

Reporting Online

There are also trusted national services that allow children, parents and carers to report harmful or illegal online content safely and anonymously. These tools can help remove inappropriate material, report unsafe contact, and ensure concerns are passed to the right professionals. Using these services can provide quick support and help keep children protected online.