As children move up through the school their access to various types of technology increases and it stands to reason that their exploration and curiosity increases too. The positives of the digital world overwhelmingly outweigh the negatives but children, schools and parents all need to be aware of various online risks. At Heatherlands Primary School we teach children about online safety in every year group at an age appropriate level as part of the Computing and PSHE curriculum. The safe use of social media and the internet will also be covered in other subjects where relevant. We use assemblies to raise pupils’ awareness of the dangers that can be encountered online and may also invite speakers to talk to pupils about this.

Keeping Children Safe Online

We take online safety seriously and have measures in place to help protect pupils while using technology in school:

• Internet filtering systems are used on school devices
• Supervised access to online content and resources
• Regular staff training on online safety and safeguarding
• Clear expectations for safe and responsible use of technology

Advice for Children

We encourage all children to remember these simple rules:

• Always tell an adult if something online makes you feel uncomfortable or worried
• Never share personal information such as your name, address, school or passwords
• Be kind and polite when talking to others online
• Stop and think before clicking on links or buttons
• Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are

Advice for Parents and Carers

Parents and carers play a vital role in helping children stay safe online. We recommend that you:

• Talk regularly with your child about their online activities
• Keep devices in shared family spaces where possible
• Use parental controls and privacy settings
• Agree boundaries for screen time and online use
• Encourage children to speak up if something doesn’t feel right

Useful Online Safety Resources

The following websites provide trusted advice and guidance for families:

• Thinkuknow – advice for children and parents about staying safe online
• NSPCC Online Safety – guides, tools and support for parents
• Internet Matters – practical tips, controls and age‑appropriate advice

Other useful links

The Partnership has an IT and Communications Systems Policy which can be found on the Coastal Learning Partnership website here.

The Parent Code of Conduct can be found here. This outlines the expectations of all communications via email and on social media.

Concerns or Questions

If you have concerns about online safety or would like further advice, please contact the school's Online Safety Champion.

By working together, we can help our children develop safe, positive and confident online habits.