Internet Safety at School

 

As part of the ICT curriculum, your child will be using the Internet and sending e-mail. The Internet is a great place but, just like the real world, there are safe and unsafe places.  We are aware that you may have concerns about unwholesome material that can be found on the Internet. We cannot guarantee that your child will not encounter anything unsuitable on the net, but we can assure you that we are doing all we can to prevent children at schoo from being exposed to such material.  Our Internet Service Provider filters our Internet access and children will be supervised when on the net.  We will also give the children clear rules and guidelines about what to do should they encounter anything that makes them uncomfortable. 

Tips for Online Safety (general advice, not just for the school website)

  • Your Privacy is Important
    It is fun to meet new people on the internet, but never write or share your  telephone number or home address anywhere on the internet.

 

  • Tell a Parent or Teacher Before you Log On
    Parents and teachers always want to know about the fun things you create on your website. Always let a parent or teacher know before you log on.

 

  • Don't Respond to Inappropriate Messages
    If you receive a message or e-mail that makes you feel uncomfortable or is hurtful, do not respond. Tell a teacher or parent about the message right away.

 

  • Don't Talk to Strangers
    Do not respond to anyone who asks you a lot of private questions. Show your teacher or a parent anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.

 

  • Keep New Friendships Online Only
    If a stranger on the Internet asks to meet you in person, do not reply and tell a teacher or parent immediately!

 

  • Your Password is Private
    Do not share your password with anyone. Keeping your password a secret will prevent other people from having access to your web pages and e-mail.

 

  • Be Kind to Others
    Do not write mean or hurtful things on your web pages, or in e-mail. Inappropriate pictures and writing are not allowed. Be kind and treat other people as you would like to be treated.

 

  • Ask Permission Before You Use Others’ Work
    You may need permission to use pictures, stories or artwork that you find in books, magazines or on the Internet. Ask a teacher before you borrow anyone's work for your web site.

 

 SCHOOL INTERNET POLICY 

The importance of the Internet

·               Internet use is a part of the statutory curriculum and a necessary tool for staff and pupils.

 

Benefits of the Internet in education

 

Benefits of using the Internet in education include:

·           access to world-wide educational resources including museums and art galleries;

·           inclusion in government initiatives such as the National Grid for Learning (NGfL) and the Virtual Teacher Centre (VTC);

·           educational and cultural exchanges between pupils world-wide;

·           cultural, vocational, social and leisure use in libraries, clubs and at home;

·           access to experts in many fields for pupils and staff;

·           staff professional development through access to national developments, educational materials and good curriculum practice;

·           communication with support services, professional associations and colleagues;

·         improved access to technical support including remote management of networks;

·       exchange of curriculum and administration data with the LEA and DfES

Safety on the Internet

·               The school Internet access will be designed expressly for pupil use and will include filtering appropriate to the age of pupils.

·               Instruction in responsible and safe use should precede Internet access.

·               Rules for Internet access will be posted near all computer systems. 

·               A member of staff always supervises children when using the Internet, except for the appointed website monitors who have limited, filtered Internet access during lunchtimes.

·               If staff or pupils discover unsuitable sites, the URL (address) and content must be reported to the Internet Service Provider via the ICT co-ordinator.

·               All staff including teachers, classroom assistants and support staff, will be provided with the School Internet Policy, and its importance explained.

E-mail

·               Pupils may only use approved e-mail accounts on the school system.

 

·               Pupils must immediately tell a teacher if they receive offensive e-mail.

 

·               Pupils must not reveal details of themselves or others, such as address or telephone number, or arrange to meet anyone, via e‑mail communication or any other form of internet communication.

 

·               Whole-class or group e-mail addresses may be used.  Pupils may have their own personal e-mail address to send and receive e-mail within the school community.

 

Web content

·               The point of contact on the website should be the school address, school e-mail and telephone number.  Staff or pupils’ home information will not be published.

·               Website photographs that include pupils will be selected carefully and will not enable individual pupils to be identified by name. 

·               Written permission from parents or carers will be obtained before photographs of pupils are published on the school Web site.  Parents will be asked to sign a consent form. 

 

System security maintenance

·               Virus protection will be installed and updated regularly.

 

Parental support

·               Parents’ attention will be drawn to the School Internet Policy and rules for online safety when their child receives their school website username and password, and via the school website.  Parents will be asked to go through the tips for online safety with their child on receipt of their website usernames and passwords.