Online Safety at Stratford-sub-Castle Primary School

Online safety cannot be ‘done’ through the occasional assembly or lesson. Pupils at Stratford-sub-Castle Primary School learn appropriate internet use and are given clear guide-lines for internet use.  Each year group has specific online-safety lessons which are outlined on the school curriculum map taken from National Curriculum.   It is also ‘drip-fed’ throughout the year across all age groups in response to the real-life safety issues being faced by pupils at any given time.  Every year we take part in ‘Safer Internet Day‘. Online-safety is not the preserve of computing, but is approached in a cross-curricular way.

Written permission from parents or carers is always obtained before pupils are allowed to use the internet.  The school keeps a record of all staff and pupils who have had internet access withdrawn.

Pupils are allowed to access only approved email accounts on the school system and must immediately tell a teacher if they receive offensive mail.  Pupils are taught that they must not reveal details of themselves or others in communications with people online; such as their address, telephone number, or arrange to meet anyone. Pupils understand that they are to use email in an acceptable way, follow internet safety rules and be banned from using the internet in serious breaches of the rules. The use of online chat is not permitted in school, other than as part of its online learning environment.

Each member of staff, governor and volunteers is briefed and signs a “Code of Conduct” which includes using ICT safely within school and outside of school. Each member of staff and governor follows the Acceptable Use Policy.  They are aware that it is their responsibility to remain professional / appropriate whilst using the Internet and other technology in and out of school.