During the Spring Term, 2024, Carcroft Change Makers worked collaboratively to develop the ‘Carcroft Pledge’. We can’t wait to share this with whole school during our Summer Term!
Category : Curriculum
Online Safety
Our pupils are growing up in a world of ever-changing technology. While we feel that the use of technology is a largely positive aspect of modern life, we cannot ignore the risks that can be associated.
Throughout school we aim to teach children:
- about the impact of cyber-bullying and what to do if they have been affected.
- to be vigilant when communicating online recognising that people may not always be who they say they are and to be sensible about what they share.
- to tell an adult they trust if something is upsetting them.
- to question the reliability of information given through a web based source.
- to search responsibly for information while using internet browsers.
We understand that much of our pupil’s use of the internet will occur at home, away from the school filters.
Below are a list of useful websites, advice and resources that you may find helpful when navigating the issue of online safety with your child. At the bottom of this page are resources that your child can directly access as well to help them learn about online safety.
Useful resources and links
Thinkuknow http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Thinkuknow is an education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. Since 2006, it aims to ensure that everyone has access to this practical information – children, young people, their parents and carers and the professionals who work with them.
Internet Matters https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/esafety-leaflets-resources/
A comprehensive web resource with a wide array of tips and advice on how to navigate the online world with your child. Some of their guidance we attach below but you can find even more by visiting the link.
National Online Safety https://nationalonlinesafety.com/resources/platform-guides/
National Online Safety’s mission is to make the internet a safer place for children. They aim to do this by equipping school staff, parents and children with the knowledge they need to understand online dangers and how best to react should an incident arise. The link above provides up to date information about a wide variety of social media apps and platforms your child might be using.
NSPCC http://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/share-aware/
The NSPCC are the first to admit that the internet is amazing. Children can play, learn, create and connect – opening up a whole world of exciting possibilities. But with the digital world changing all the time, how can you make sure your child’s staying safe? That’s where the NSPCC come in. Whether you’re an online expert or you’re not sure where to start, their tools and advice will help you keep your child safe.
Childnet http://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers
Childnet International is a registered UK charity that aims to make the internet a safe place for children and young people. Packed with resources it is a great resource for parents.
CEOP http://ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) is part of the National Crime Agency and their website can be used to report if you are worried about online abuse or the way someone is communicating online.
BBC https://www.bbc.com/ownit
The BBC have a website and app called Own It. The website has a lot of content for children to help them navigate their online lives, and the free smartphone app comes with a special keyboard which can intervene with help and support in the moments that children need it the most.
SafetoNet https://safetonet.com/
SafeToNet is technology that educates children “in-the-moment” as they use their device. It is a safeguarding assistant that helps them become responsible and safe digital citizens. Its power lies in a smart keyboard that detects risks in real-time. It steers children away from trouble by filtering harmful outgoing messages before they can be sent and any damage can be done.
A guide to Apps & Social Media
The number of apps and social media channels your child could be exposed to grow all the time, as does an app’s functionality. We recommend you visit Net Aware to read the latest and most current advice on over 70 apps to ensure you know what they do, how you can limit their features as well as recommended age restrictions.
The apps included are:
- Fortnite
- Snapchat
- YouTube
- Minecraft
- Clash of Clans & Clash Royale
- Kik
- Friv
- Dubsmash
- Wink
- YOLO
- TikTok
- And many, many more
Resources for children to use
Below are some links that children themselves can access for help when navigating the tricky subject of online safety,
Reception – Year 2
Below are a number of links that are tailored for children in the younger year groups.
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/5_7/
https://www.netsmartzkids.org/
https://www.childnet.com/resources/smartie-the-penguin
Year 3 – Year 6
Below are links more suitable for older children.
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/8_10/
https://www.nsteens.org/
Reading loud and proud
Autumn slice.
Crew Frost has had so much fun returning back this week! We have been learning all about autumn and the changes we see outside and the events we might celebrate. This week the children have enjoyed using pumpkins and colored golf pins to create their own patterns and arrangements, this really pushed our fine motor development by having to use hammers to secure our pins. We also enjoyed building our social and emotional skills by sharing with our friends and using our listening skills to recall how we use the tools safely.
Google Account
In year 6, we have been getting ourselves logged on to our google account and familarising ourselves with the different apps available. To begin with, children were asked to set themselves a new password but they were asked to ensure it was something that would be memorable. Once everyone was on, Miss Shields demonstrated how to compose an email and send it to someone else before the children had a go at emailing their shoulder partner. Next we looked at how to create a google doc and slides before sharing them.
Experience Days in Crew McLoughlin!
Over two Experience Days, Crew McLoughlin have been developing their creativity, confidence, and communication skills through a range of exciting activities. On the first day, they became wildlife reporters inspired by Sir David Attenborough, planning and performing their own mini rainforest documentaries. Working in pairs, they used expression, intonation, and body language to bring scenes of grooming, foraging, and danger to life. On the second day, pupils built on these skills by listening to a model monologue and experimenting with tone and expression. In groups of three, they explored the text, identifying powerful vocabulary and descriptive techniques before noting ideas for their own writing. It’s been a brilliant few days of teamwork, imagination, and expressive learning – Crew McLoughlin have truly brought their voices to life!
Online Safety – fake or fact?
This week, Year 3 and 4 have started a new unit which will focus on online safety. Both crews focused on how to be able to identify fake information and decide whether information is opinion, beliefs or fact. We used Sky News Kids which has a section on fake news or fact and this really did open the children’s eyes to the fact you can’t believe everything you see online. We discussed the importance of using reliable sources for information or to fact check things when we are unsure.
Reading Superstars
A huge shoutout to these children who are absolutely smashing reading plus at the minute.
All these children have achieved their Pre-A awards and Archie has been recognised as a word wizard too!
Keep it up!
Story Maps for the Lorax
This week, Crew McLoughlin have used story maps to plan their independent writing. They came up with lots of amazing different endings of how The Lorax might end. Using their story maps, they organised their ideas and thought carefully about how to bring the story to a happy ending. At the end of the lesson, a few brave volunteers stood in front of the class to share their wacky and wonderful alternative endings.
Roman sundial
Today in expedition the children got to make their own roman sundial and learn about why they did not have a clock.
Crew McLoughlin’s Plant-Tastic Lesson!
Today, Crew McLoughlin had a fantastic expedition science lesson learning about the different parts of plants and their roles. The class explored real plants kindly shared from Miss Newman’s mum’s garden, which made the lesson extra special!
Students carefully examined roots, stems, leaves, and flowers, discussing how each part helps the plant grow and stay healthy. They loved getting hands-on with the plants and spotting the unique features of each one.
Beautiful written work in Crew Colclough
We are so proud of this young man. He has created two amazing paragraphs over the last couple of days. His effective word choice is particularly impressive. However, the reason I felt the need to blog this today was because of his expressive reading. We have been working on our fluency skills and today, Henry today demonstrated excellence in this.
