Online Safety

At Radwinter CofE (VA) Primary School, a Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, we understand that the use of online services is an essential part of modern education. It supports raising educational standards, enhances pupil achievement, and enriches teaching and learning. As a caring and inclusive community, we are committed to ensuring that all children are safe, respected, and supported in their online activities, both in school and beyond.

Our Approach to Online Safety

Our vision, “Growing and learning together to embrace life in all its fullness” (John 10:10), guides our commitment to providing a secure and nurturing environment where every child can flourish. Online safety is an integral part of this commitment. We recognise that the digital world presents many opportunities for learning, but also carries risks that must be carefully managed.

We categorise online safety risks into four key areas:

Content: Exposure to illegal, inappropriate, or harmful material.
Contact: Harmful interactions with others online.
Conduct: Online behaviour that can cause harm.
Commerce: Risks including online gambling, phishing, inappropriate advertising, and financial scams.

Our school policies and procedures are designed to address these risks through clear expectations, controls, and education for pupils and staff.

Please find our Online Safety policy here: Online Safety Policy

Legal Framework and Policies

Our Online Safety Policy is developed with full regard to relevant legislation and guidance, including but not limited to:

Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019
UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018
DfE guidance including Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024) and Filtering and Monitoring Standards for Schools and Colleges (2023)
UK Council for Internet Safety resources
National Cyber Security Centre guidance

This policy works alongside our comprehensive suite of school policies, such as:

Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
Behaviour and Anti-Bullying Policies
Staff Code of Conduct
Technology Acceptable Use Agreement
Remote Education Policy

Together, these form a robust safeguarding framework, reflecting our values of fairness, kindness, respect, forgiveness, and service.

Safeguarding Children Online

We recognise that technology plays a significant role in safeguarding and wellbeing. Online activity can impact a child’s mental health positively and negatively. Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Emily Bartram, ensures staff receive up-to-date training on social media trends, internet risks, and indicators of mental health challenges related to online activity. Concerns about a child’s wellbeing are handled sensitively, in line with our Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Policy.

Please find our SEMH policy here:

Partnership with Parents and Carers

We believe safeguarding is a shared responsibility. Parents and carers play a crucial role in helping children stay safe online. To support this partnership, we:

Provide parents with the Acceptable Use Agreement annually, encouraging discussions about safe internet use.
Raise awareness about risks such as child sexual abuse, grooming, exposure to radicalising content, sexting, cyberbullying, and harmful or age-inappropriate materials.
Offer practical advice on using parental controls and other tools to block harmful content at home.
Engage parents through newsletters, parents’ evenings, and twilight training sessions focused on online safety.

By working together, we ensure children receive consistent messages about safe and respectful online behaviour.

Internet Access, Filtering, and Monitoring

To maintain a safe learning environment, all pupils, staff, and visitors must read and sign our Acceptable Use Agreement before accessing the school’s internet network. We encourage the use of our filtered and monitored school network instead of personal mobile data (3G, 4G, 5G), as it provides controlled access to online resources while blocking harmful content.

Our governing board ensures that:

Appropriate filtering and monitoring systems are in place and regularly reviewed.
Online safety measures balance protection with minimal disruption to teaching and learning.
Staff are trained and aware of how to use these systems effectively and how to escalate concerns.

These measures reflect our commitment to safeguarding every child and supporting their development in a safe digital environment.

Supporting Our Vision Through Online Safety

At Radwinter CofE Primary School, our Christian values underpin our approach to online safety. We aim to educate pupils to use technology wisely, demonstrating kindness, respect, and responsibility. By nurturing these values, we prepare our children to navigate a diverse and ever-changing world confidently and safely.

How You Can Support Online Safety at Home

Talk regularly with your child about their online experiences.
Use parental controls and privacy settings on devices.
Encourage respectful and responsible online behaviour.
Stay informed about popular apps, websites, and social media platforms.
Reach out to school staff if you have concerns or need advice.

Together, we can ensure children enjoy the benefits of digital technology while being protected from its risks.

Summary

Online safety is a vital part of safeguarding at Radwinter CofE (VA) Primary School. Through comprehensive policies, staff training, parental partnership, and robust technological controls, we provide a safe and supportive environment for all children to learn and grow. This commitment is deeply rooted in our vision to embrace life in all its fullness, fostering a community where every child feels valued, safe, and able to flourish.

For more information or if you have any questions about online safety, please contact the school office or our Safeguarding Governor, Helen O’Brien. Together, we will continue to protect and empower our children in the digital world.

Growing and learning together to embrace life in all its fullness