Online Safety

Longford Primary Academy recognises its legal duty under s175 Education Act 2002 (section 157 in relation to independent schools and academies) and the 1989 Children Act and takes seriously its responsibilities to protect and safeguard the interests of all children. The school recognises that effective child protection work requires sound procedures, good inter-agency co-operation and a workforce that is competent and confident in responding to child protection situations.

Keeping your child safe online

At Longford we recognise the contribution modern technologies makes to the curriculum and life itself.  Our aim is to provide a safe and secure environment where children and adults can experience and develop their computer skills and enhance learning across the curriculum.  The growth of different electronic media in everyday life and an ever developing variety of devices including PC's, tablets, laptops, mobile phones, webcams etc place an additional risk on our children.

A planned online safety programme is provided as part of computing,PHSE, RSE and other lessons.  This covers both the use of digital and  new technologies in  and outside of school.  In line with the schools thematic approach lessons are taught in a relevant and meaningful way whilst also building upon each other by reinforcing developmentally appropriate topics, such as using letters of the alphabet to search and following rules to remain safe in EYFS to exploring cyberbullying, talking safely on-line and responsible use as children progress thoughout the school, with the aim being that children at Longford know what it means to be a good digital citizen.  The curriculum will cover aspects of:

• internet safety
• privacy and security
• relationships and communication
• cyberbullying
• digital footprints and reputation
• self-image and identity
• information literacy
• creative credit and copyright

A few tips to help you keep your child safe at home

• Talk to them - encourage them to be open about their use of technology in school and at home
• Create a family agreement about what you expect and set boundaries.
• Consider filtering and blocking software and certain services
• Educate your child about how to stay safe & be involved in their internet use
• Familiarise yourself with privacy settings and reporting features on popular sites.

	The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) is the UK's national centre for online child protection. This site provides help, advice and the function to report incidents.
	Learn about the internet and being a SMART surfer.
	Thinkuknow is the education programme from NCA-CEOP.  Find the latest information on the sites you like to visit, mobiles and new technology. Find out what’s good, what’s not and what you can do about it.
	UK Safer Internet Centre provides advice and resources to stay safe online
	NSPCC’s Net Aware provides safety advice on all the most popular apps and games
	Know your games and apps - Information and support resources for various games and apps from Staffordshire Police

Parents and carers are reminded that they must not share, distribute or display images containing other children without the relevant permission or consent from their parents.  The Data Protection Officer at Longford Primary Academy is Mr Collier.