We are proud to be a Smartphone Free School however we recognise the Internet has become an everyday part of children’s lives and brings with it new opportunities to communicate and handle information from across the globe.  At Sandgate Primary School we have robust policies and processes in place to ensure that our pupils are safe. The use of the internet is an essential part of learning, as required by the National Curriculum. To enable pupils to access the internet safely we ask that both pupils and their parents/carers sign the school’s Acceptable Use Policy to show that our online safety rules have been understood and agreed upon. This are sent our annually to parents and are part of the induction pack when children join us in Reception. 

Staff are trained in online safety issues and we educate pupils on how to keep themselves safe online and how to use new technologies responsibly. We have clear online safety rules which are prominently displayed throughout the school. 

Children will be taught how to use the internet responsibly and how to stay safe online. Internet safety will be incorporated throughout the curriculum, but will be particularly embedded within the Computing/P.S.H.E. curriculum. Pupils also participate in online safety awareness projects such as Anti-Bullying Week and Safer Internet Day.

We aim to help parents understand online safety issues and risks and provide information on how parents can help keep their children stay safe on-line at home. Please use the helpsheets and information below and if yoy have any further concerns then speak to any of the Child Protection Team - Mrs Jones, Mr Evans, Mrs Shoob or Mrs Hill at school. You can also contact them via the school office on 01303 257280.

Internet Matters: Making Online Safety for Parents as Simple as ABC

Internet Matters have produced new ABC checklists for parents, focusing on 3 key areas to guide them through the basics of keeping their children safe online:

1. activate parental controls.
2. balance screen time.
3. check and chat.

https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/abc-online-safety-checklist/

Everyday Digital

Digital skills and knowledge to navigate the online world, powered by Parent Zone.

https://parentzone.org.uk/about-everydaydigital

https://ed-widget.parentzone.org.uk/

NSPCC – https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

Our Computing Curriculum can be found here.

Our PSHE curriculum can be found here.

Below are information factsheets which help to support your child with staying safe online. Please note that we have included apps which are for children age 13+ to ensure all parents are aware of the age restrictions. Pupils should not be using these specific apps.