Online Safety
Online Safety Intent
At Carlton Miniott Primary Academy we understand that the internet and other digital and information technologies open up opportunities for pupils and play an important role in their everyday lives. We recognise the importance of promoting the use of computer technology throughout the curriculum, we also understand the need for safe internet access and appropriate use. The school is committed to providing a safe learning and teaching environment for all pupils and staff.
Our Online Safety curriculum aims to equip children to participate safely in a rapidly-changing world where the future will be increasingly transformed by new technology. Online Safety must be an integral part of all digital learning. Teaching will aim to ensure learners are able to determine right from wrong and safe from unsafe. We recognise that children should be at the forefront of new technology and as a school are determined to deliver inspiring and engaging lessons, using up to date hard and software in a way that is relevant, safe and exciting for the children.
Online Safety Implementation
Teaching across school
Through our Online Safety curriculum we teach children how to safely navigate and effectively use the internet and a range of ways to communicate and connect with others virtually such as blogs, emails and social media platforms (if appropriate). The content we teach is designed to be age appropriate and prepares children for what they may encounter both in and out of school as they use the internet and various devices throughout their childhood and into adolescence. Our curriculum offers a comprehensive yet balanced approach in addressing safety and security concerns, including ethics and behaviour issues, as well as digital literacy skills. We aim to provide child-centred, media-rich lessons that emphasise skill building, critical thinking, ethical discussion, media creation and decision making.
EYFS
The early years children will be exposed to the understanding of internet safety as they explore the world around them and how technology is an everyday part of their learning and understanding of the world.
KS1 and KS2
Pupils in KS1 and KS2 will follow the South West Grid for Learning (SWGfL) Digital Literacy Scheme.
The scheme empowers learners to think critically, behave safely, and participate responsibly in the digital world.
For each year group there are five lessons to be delivered one per half term during computing or PSHCE sessions. These link to our Switched on Computing units and/or to the PSHCE objectives planned for that half term.
The lessons cover the following eight curriculum categories:
PRIVACY SECURITY
Pupils and students learn strategies for managing their online information and keeping it secure from online risks such as identity thieves and phishing. They learn how to create strong passwords, how to avoid scams and schemes, and how to analyse privacy policies.
SELF-IMAGE IDENTITY
These lessons are designed to help pupils and students explore their own digital lives, focusing on their online versus their offline identity. Pupils and students learn the benefits and risks of personas and the effects on their sense of self, their reputation, and their relationships.
DIGITAL FOOTPRINT REPUTATION
Pupils and students learn to protect their own privacy and respect others’ privacy. Our digital world is permanent, and with each post pupils and students are building a digital footprint. By encouraging pupils and students to self-reflect before they self-reveal, they will consider how what they share online can impact themselves and others.
CYBERBULLYING
Pupils and students learn what to do if they are involved in a cyberbullying situation. They explore the roles people play and how individual actions – both negative and positive – can impact their friends and broader communities. Pupils and students are encouraged to take the active role of up stander and build positive, supportive online communities.
CREATIVE CREDIT COPYRIGHT
Living in a “copy/paste” culture, pupils and students need to reflect on their responsibilities and rights as creators in the online spaces where they consume, create, and share information. From addressing plagiarism to piracy, pupils and students learn about copyright and fair use.
RELATIONSHIPS COMMUNICATION
Pupils and students reflect on how they can use intrapersonal and interpersonal skills to build and strengthen positive online communication and communities. They delve into the concept of digital citizenship and digital ethics, and they reflect on their online interactions.
INFORMATION LITERACY
Information Literacy includes the ability to identify, find, evaluate, and use information effectively. From effective search strategies to evaluation techniques, pupils and students learn how to evaluate the quality, credibility, and validity of websites, and give proper credit.
INTERNET SAFETY
Pupils and students explore how the internet offers an amazing way to collaborate with others worldwide, while staying safe through employing strategies such as distinguishing between inappropriate contact and positive connections.
