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.

https://www.net-aware.org.uk/

The apps included are:

  • Fortnite
  • Instagram
  • 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/

Baby Pictures! 👶

In expedition, we were identifying how animals change as they grow, including us! Thank you to everyone who was able to bring their baby pictures in and share them with the class – including teachers! We had lots of fun looking at our younger selves and explaining how we have changed over time.

KS1 Enjoys a Football-Themed Lunch!

Today, our KS1 children enjoyed a fantastic football-themed lunch as we celebrated England’s first game taking place tonight!

The dining hall was filled with excitement as pupils tucked into a special menu inspired by the beautiful game. Football anthems played throughout lunchtime, creating a fun and lively atmosphere, and many of the children couldn’t resist getting up for a dance with their friends. There was lots of singing, smiling and excitement as everyone got into the football spirit.

It was wonderful to see so many happy faces enjoying the occasion together. We hope everyone enjoys watching the match tonight and joins us in cheering on England.

Come on England!

Science: Growth and Development

Crew Ramsay have worked hard to create a ‘Guess The Baby’ gallery in our hall! We did a gallery walk where we looked at the baby pictures and observed the babies to see if any felt familiar. Then we filled in a class sheet guessing which baby is which child. We noticed that although we grow and change, some things stay the same such as eye shape and distinguishing features. We were also shocked at how different some of us looked as we had changed a LOT!

Headlines in Crew Mcloughlin

Today, Crew McLoughlin stepped into the role of a newspaper journalist to create bold and exciting headlines. The Crew showed great creativity and understanding of the novel. This engaging activity helped develop reporting and summarising skills while bringing the story to life in a fun and imaginative way. Well done, Crew, for producing eye-catching headlines worthy of the front page!

Embracing Change: From Chrysalis to Secondary School

Today, Crew Godley explored the concept of transformation through the chrysalis stage of a butterfly’s life cycle. We learned that, although a chrysalis appears still on the outside, significant internal change is taking place. We linked this idea to their own transition to secondary school.

We discussed how change is not always visible and that feeling unsettled or unsure is a normal part of growth. We then sorted visible changes and internal feelings associated with moving to a new school, before reflecting on the positive habits they want to develop as they prepare for this next stage.

Exploring 3D shapes

In Maths, we explored 3D shapes and learned about their properties. We looked at faces, vertices and edges and practised counting them on different shapes.

By the end of the lesson, we were more confident identifying and describing 3D shapes using mathematical vocabulary.