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Online safety policy

The following review is due by April 2023

Our school aims to:

Have robust processes to ensure the online safety of pupils, staff, volunteers and governors.
Deliver a practical approach to online safety, which empowers us to protect and educate the whole school community in its use of technology.
Establish clear mechanisms to identify, intervene and escalate an incident where appropriate.

2. Legislation and guidance

This policy is based on the Department for Education's (DfE) statutory safeguarding guidance, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and its advice for schools on:

It also refers to the DfE's guidance on protecting children from radicalisation.

It reflects existing legislation, including but not limited to the Education Act 1996 (as amended), the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and the Equality Act 2010. In addition, it reflects the Education Act 2011, which has given teachers stronger powers to tackle cyberbullying by, if necessary, searching for and deleting inappropriate images or files on pupils' electronic devices where they believe there is a 'good reason' to do so.

The policy also takes into account the National Curriculum computing programmes of study.

This policy complies with our funding agreement and articles of association.

3. Roles and responsibilities

3.1 The governing board

The governing board is responsible for monitoring this policy and holding the Headteacher accountable for its implementation.

The governing board will coordinate regular meetings with appropriate staff to discuss online safety and monitor online safety logs as provided by the designated safeguarding lead (DSL).

The governor who oversees safeguarding within the school is Edward Powell.

All governors will:

Ensure that they have read and understand this policy
Agree and adhere to the terms on acceptable use of the school's ICT systems and the Internet (appendix 3)

3.2 The HeadteacherHeadteacher

The HeadteacherHeadteacher is responsible for ensuring that staff understand this policy and that it is being implemented consistently throughout the school.

3.3 The designated safeguarding lead

Details of the school's DSL and deputy are set out in our child protection and safeguarding policy and relevant job descriptions.

The DSL takes lead responsibility for online safety in school, in particular:

Supporting the HeadteacherHeadteacher in ensuring that staff understand this policy and that it is being implemented consistently throughout the school
Working with the HeadteacherHeadteacher, ICT manager and other staff, as necessary, to address any online safety issues or incidents
Ensuring that any online safety incidents are logged and dealt with appropriately in line with this policy
Ensuring that any incidents of cyber-bullying are logged and dealt with appropriately in line with the school behaviour policy
We are updating and delivering staff training on online safety.
Liaising with other agencies and/or external services if necessary
Providing regular reports on online safety in school to the headteacher and/or governing board

This list is not intended to be exhaustive.

3.4 The ICT Team

The ICT Team is responsible for:

Putting in place appropriate filtering and monitoring systems, which are updated regularly and keep pupils safe from potentially harmful and inappropriate content and contact online while at school, including terrorist and extremist material
Ensuring that the school's ICT systems are secure and protected against viruses and malware and that such safety mechanisms are updated regularly
We conduct a full security check and monitor the school's ICT systems weekly.
Blocking access to potentially dangerous sites and, where possible, preventing the downloading of potentially dangerous files
Ensuring that any online safety incidents are logged (see Appendix 5) and dealt with appropriately in line with this policy.
Ensuring that any incidents of cyber-bullying are dealt with appropriately in line with the school behaviour policy

This list is not intended to be exhaustive.

3.5 All staff and volunteers

All staff, including contractors, agency staff, and volunteers, are responsible for:

Maintaining an understanding of this policy
Implementing this policy consistently
Agreeing and adhering to the terms on acceptable use of the school's ICT systems and the Internet (appendix 3), and ensuring that pupils follow the school's terms on good use (appendices 1)
Working with the DSL to ensure that any online safety incidents are logged as per CPOMs and dealt with appropriately in line with this policy
Ensuring that any incidents of cyber-bullying are dealt with appropriately in line with the school behaviour policy

This list is not intended to be exhaustive.

3.6 Parents

Parents are expected to:

Notify a member of staff or the HeadteacherHeadteacher of any concerns or queries regarding this policy.
Ensure their child has read, understood and agreed to the terms on acceptable use of the school's ICT systems and Internet (appendices 1)

Parents can seek further guidance on keeping children safe online from the following organisations and websites:

What are the issues? – UK Safer Internet Centre
Hot topics – Childnet International
Parent factsheet – Childnet International
Healthy relationships – Disrespect Nobody

3.7 Visitors and members of the community

Visitors and members of the community who use the school's ICT systems or the Internet will be made aware of this policy when relevant and expected to read and follow it. If appropriate, they will be expected to agree to acceptable use terms (appendix 2).

4. Educating pupils about online safety

Pupils will be taught about online safety as part of the curriculum:

In Key Stage 1, pupils will be introduced to:

Use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private.
Identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the Internet or other online technologies.

Pupils in Key Stage 2 will be taught to:

Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly
Recognise acceptable and unacceptable behaviour
Identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact

By the end of primary school, pupils will know:

People sometimes behave differently online, including by pretending to be someone they are not.
The same principles apply to online relationships and face-to-face connections, including the importance of respect for others online, including when we are anonymous.
The rules and principles for keeping safe online, how to recognise risks, harmful content and contact, and how to report them
How to critically consider their online friendships and sources of information, including awareness of the risks associated with people they have never met
How information and data is shared and used online
How to respond safely and appropriately to adults they may encounter (in all contexts, including online) whom they do not know

Other relevant subjects will also cover the safe use of social media and the Internet.

Assemblies are used to raise pupils' awareness of the dangers encountered online and may also invite speakers to talk to pupils about this.

5. Educating parents about online safety

The school will raise parents' awareness of internet safety in letters or other communications at home and in information via our website and tweets. This policy will also be shared with parents.

Online safety will also be covered during parents' evenings.

Suppose parents have any queries or concerns in relation to online safety. In that case, these should be raised in the first instance with the Headteacher and/or the DSL.

Concerns or queries about this policy can be raised with any member of staff or the Headteacher.

6. Cyber-bullying

6.1 Definition

Cyberbullying occurs online through social networking sites, messaging apps or gaming sites. Like other forms of bullying, it is the repetitive, intentional harming of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. (See also the school behaviour policy and antibullying policy.)

6.2 Preventing and addressing cyber-bullying

To help prevent cyberbullying, we will ensure that pupils understand what it is and what to do if they become aware of it happening to them or others. We will ensure that pupils know how to report incidents and are encouraged to do so, including where they are a witness rather than the victims.

The school will actively discuss cyberbullying with pupils, explaining the reasons why it occurs, the forms it may take and what the consequences can be. Class teachers and ICT teacher will discuss cyber-bullying with classes.

Teaching staff are also encouraged to find opportunities to use aspects of the curriculum to cover cyber-bullying. This includes personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education and other subjects where appropriate.

All staff, governors and volunteers (where appropriate) receive training on cyberbullying, its impact and ways to support pupils as part of safeguarding training (see section 11 for more detail).

The school also sends information/leaflets on cyberbullying to parents so that they know the signs, how to report it and how they can support children who may be affected.

In relation to a specific incident of cyberbullying, the school will follow the processes set out in the school behaviour policy. Where illegal, inappropriate or harmful material has been spread among pupils, the school will use all reasonable endeavours to ensure the incident is contained.

The DSL will consider whether the incident should be reported to the police if it involves illegal material and will work with external services if necessary.

6.3 Examining Electronic Devices

School staff have the specific power under the Education and Inspections Act 2006 (which has been increased by the Education Act 2011) to search for and, if necessary, delete inappropriate images or files on pupils' electronic devices, including mobile phones, iPads and other tablet devices, where they believe there is a 'good reason' to do so.

When deciding whether there is a good reason to examine or erase data or files on an electronic device, staff must reasonably suspect that the data or file in question has been, or could be, used to:

Cause harm and/or
Disrupt teaching and/or
Break any of the school rules

Suppose inappropriate material is found on the device. In that case, it is up to the staff member, in conjunction with the DSL or other members of the senior leadership team, to decide whether they should:

Delete that material, or
Retain it as evidence (of a criminal offence or a breach of school discipline) and/or
Please report it to the police

Any searching of pupils will be carried out in line with the DfE's latest guidance on screening, searching and confiscation and the school's COVID-19 risk assessment.

Any complaints about searching for or deleting inappropriate images or files on pupils' electronic devices will be handled through the school complaints procedure.

7. Acceptable use of the Internet in school

All pupils, parents, staff, volunteers and governors are expected to sign an agreement regarding the acceptable use of the school's ICT systems and the Internet (appendices 1-2). Visitors will be expected to read and agree to the school's terms of acceptable use if relevant.

Use of the school's Internet must be for educational purposes only or to fulfil the duties of an individual's role.

We will monitor the websites visited by pupils, staff, volunteers, governors and visitors (where relevant) to ensure they comply with the above.

More information is set out in the acceptable use agreements in appendices 1 and 2.

8. Pupils using mobile devices in school

Pupils may bring mobile devices into school but are not permitted to use them during:

Lessons
Tutor group time
Clubs before or after school, or any other activities organised by the school

Any use of mobile devices in school by pupils must align with the acceptable use agreement (see Appendix 1).

Any breach of the acceptable use agreement by a pupil may trigger disciplinary action in line with the school behaviour policy, which may result in confiscating their device.

9. Staff using work devices outside of school

All staff members will take appropriate steps to ensure their devices remain secure. This includes, but is not limited to:

Keeping the device password-protected – strong passwords are at least eight characters, with a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers and special characters (e.g. asterisk or currency symbol)
Ensuring their hard drive is encrypted – if the device is lost or stolen, no one can access the files stored on the hard drive by attaching it to a new device.
Making sure the device locks if left inactive for some time
We are not sharing the device with family or friends.
Installing anti-virus and anti-spyware software
Keeping operating systems up to date – always install the latest updates.

Staff members must not use the device in any way which would violate the school's terms of acceptable use, as set out in Appendix 2.

Work devices must be used solely for work activities.

If staff have any concerns over the security of their device, they must seek advice from HeadteacherHeadteacher.

10. How the school will respond to issues of misuse

Where a pupil misuses the school's ICT systems or Internet, we will follow the procedures set out in our behaviour policies. The action taken will depend on the specific incident's circumstances, nature and seriousness and will be proportionate.

Where a staff member misuses the school's ICT systems or the Internet or misuses a personal device where the action constitutes misconduct, the matter will be dealt with in accordance with the staff disciplinary procedures/staff code of conduct. The move will depend on the specific incident's circumstances, nature and seriousness.

The school will consider whether incidents involving illegal activity, content, or otherwise serious incidents should be reported to the police.

11. Training

As part of their induction, all new staff members will receive training on safe internet use and online safeguarding issues, including cyberbullying and the risks of online radicalisation.

All staff members will receive refresher training at least once each academic year as part of safeguarding training and relevant updates as required (for example, through emails, e-bulletins and staff meetings).

The DSL and deputy will undertake child protection and safeguarding training at least every two years, including online safety. They will also update their knowledge and skills on the subject of online security at regular intervals and at least annually.

Governors will receive training on safe internet use and online safeguarding issues as part of their safeguarding training.

Volunteers will receive appropriate training and updates, if applicable.

Our child protection and safeguarding policy sets out more information about safeguarding training.

12. Monitoring arrangements

All staff will log behaviour and safeguarding issues related to online safety using CPOMs. The DSL will then deal with them as appropriate.

This policy will be reviewed every year by the SLT. At every review, the policy will be shared with the governing board.

13. Links with other policies

This online safety policy is linked to our:

Child protection and safeguarding policy
Behaviour policy
Staff disciplinary procedures
Data protection policy and privacy notices
Complaints procedure
Colleague Code of Conduct

Appendix 1: Student Device Agreement Form

Students needing remote learning can be issued a device for their educational use if reasonable precautions and care are taken in the use of the device.

Each parent/guardian should review this form carefully with their child.

All devices issued to students are to access remote learning and other educational uses. Students are expected to follow the guidelines below and take additional common sense precautions to protect the device. Students are responsible for taking care of the device.

The policies this document outlines are intended to cover all available technologies, not just those specifically listed.

By accepting this equipment, I agree to ensure that my child adheres to the following:

Return of Device

This device is being loaned for the student's use during remote learning.

This device is the property of the Co-op Academy Brownhill.

This device must be returned when on-site learning resumes unless otherwise instructed by the Co-op Academy Brownhill.

Student Name__________________________ Year Group ________________

Equipment Loaned _____________________ Asset Tag _________________

Serial Number ______________________________________

Care and Maintenance

The student/family is responsible for the daily care and maintenance of the laptop. Any damage or theft must be reported to the Co-op Academy Brownhill within one school day.
Keep the laptop in a safe place when not in use.
Students/families should report problems to 0113 2489539. Do not attempt to remove, add, or change the physical structure of the device, including keys, memory, battery, screen, charger, ID labels, etc.
Carry the device carefully at all times. Do not store items on top of the device.
You are liable for the cost of replacing the equipment if it is damaged, lost or stolen.
The Academy cannot be held responsible for damage to files or data loss incurred whilst using the equipment.
The Academy assumes no responsibility for files stored on the hard drive or for recovering files accidentally left on the hard drive after the equipment has been returned.

Usage Guidelines

In general, all students are expected to use good judgment and common sense; be safe, appropriate, careful and kind online, not attempt to get around technological protection measures; and ask an adult if they need help.

Academy Student Acceptable Use – Agreement / eSafety Rules

I will only use ICT systems in the Academy, including the Internet, email, digital video, mobile technologies, etc., for academic purposes.
I will not download or install software on Academy technologies.
I will only log on to the Academy network/ Learning Platform with my username and password.
I will follow the Academy's ICT security system, keep my passwords private from everyone, and change them regularly.
I will only use my Academy email address.
I will ensure that all ICT communications with students, teachers or others are responsible and sensible.
I will be responsible for my behaviour when using the Internet. This includes the resources I access and the language I use.
I will not deliberately browse, download, upload or forward material that could be considered offensive or illegal. If I accidentally encounter any such material, I will report it immediately to my teacher.
I will not give out personal information such as name, phone number or address. I will not arrange to meet someone unless this is part of an Academy project approved by my teacher.
Images of students and/ or staff will only be taken, stored and used for Academy purposes in line with Academy policy. They will be distributed outside the Academy network with the written permission of the Headteacher.
I will ensure that my online activity, both in Academy and outside the Academy, will not cause my Academy, the staff, students or others distress or bring into disrepute.
I will respect the privacy and ownership of others' work online at all times.
I will not attempt to bypass the internet filtering system.
I understand that all my Internet use and other related technologies can be monitored, logged, and made available to my teachers.
I understand that these rules are designed to keep me safe and that if they are not followed, Academy sanctions will be applied. My parent/ carer may be contacted.
Never interfere with any anti-virus software installed on Academy ICT equipment that you use.
Suppose your machine is not routinely connected to the Academy network. In that case, you must provide regular virus updates through your IT team.
If you suspect a virus on any Academy ICT equipment, stop using the equipment and contact your ICT support provider immediately. The ICT support provider will advise you on what actions to take and be responsible for informing others who need to know.

I acknowledge that I have read the above information and agree to the equipment loan terms.

As the parent/carer of the named student, I understand that it is my responsibility to ensure that they stay safe online.

Parent Name ___________________________ Date _____________

Parent Signature___________________________________________

Appendix 2: KS2 acceptable use agreement (pupils and parents/carers)

Proper use of the school's ICT systems and Internet: agreement for staff, governors, volunteers and visitors

Name of staff member/governor/volunteer/visitor:

When using the school's ICT systems and accessing the Internet in school or outside the school on a work device (if applicable),

I will not:

*Access or attempt to access inappropriate material, including but not limited to material of a violent, criminal or pornographic nature (or create, share, link to or send such material)

*Use them in any way which could harm the school's reputation

*Access social networking sites or chat rooms

*Use any improper language when communicating online, including in emails or other messaging services, any unauthorised software, or connecting unauthorised hardware or devices to the school's network

*Share my password with others or log in to the school's network using someone else's details

*Take photographs of pupils without checking with teachers first

*Share confidential information about the school, its pupils or staff, or other members of the community

*Access, modify or share data I'm not authorised to access, modify or share promote private businesses unless that business is directly related to the school

I will only use the school's ICT systems and access the Internet in school or outside the school on a work device for educational purposes or to fulfil my role's duties.

I agree that the school will monitor the websites I visit and my use of the school's ICT facilities and systems.

I will take all reasonable steps to ensure that work devices are secure and password-protected when using them outside school. I will keep all data securely stored, following this policy and the school's data protection policy.

I will let the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) and ICT manager know if a pupil informs me they have found any material which might upset, distress or harm them or others. I will also do so if I encounter any such material.

I will always use the school's ICT systems and the Internet responsibly and ensure that pupils in my care do so.

Signed (staff member/governor/volunteer/visitor): Date: