Online Safety

Introduction

At St Michael and St John’s School, Online safety is of paramount importance. As the online world evolves, so do both the online harms and risks facing our children and the relevant legislation, both statutory and non-statutory, which directs and guides how schools should meet their online safety requirements.

School staff and governors play a vital role in setting an example for the whole school and are central to implementing policy and process. It is imperative that a whole school community approach to online safety is adopted and that all stakeholders are aware of their responsibilities and duties in relation to keeping children safe online. This will support a robust online safety ethos and ensure that schools are providing the best online safety provision they possibly can.

This policy is applicable to all members of St Michael & St John’s. This includes, staff, students and pupils, volunteers, parents/carers, visitors and community users who have access to and are users of the St Michael & St John’s digital technology systems, both internally and externally within the home and community setting.

Online Safety will naturally tend to focus on reducing the potential risks; however, it should equally promote the benefits to be gained from the opportunities afforded through the use of technology.

Online Safety School Statement

St Michael & St John’s School asserts that online safety is an essential element of safeguarding and duly acknowledges its statutory obligation to ensure that all learners and staff are protected from potential online harm.

At St Michael & St. John’s Roman Catholic Primary School we aim to secure the best for all pupils as individuals. We strive for them to be the best that they can be.

‘The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.’ Proverbs 18:15

This approach means that every effort is made to promote a positive school climate that recognises the rights of all pupils. These rights include the right to stay safe at all times, including when using technology both in school and out.  Online Safety is at the heart of all our teachings in order to enable and encourage all those involved with school to have a safer use of technology. 

We aim to provide a diverse, balanced and relevant approach to the use of technology.  The children are encouraged to maximise the benefits and opportunities that technology has to offer in a safe and enabling environment. St Michael & St John’s School believes that the internet and associated devices are an integral part of everyday life.

St Michael and St John’s school ensures that children learn in an environment where security measures are balanced appropriately with the need to learn effectively, whilst also equipping the children with the skills and knowledge to use technology appropriately and responsibly.

We teach how to recognise the risks associated with technology and how to deal with them, both within school and outside the school environment.  The school affirms that all learners should be empowered to build resilience and to develop strategies to recognise and respond to online risks.  All users in the school community understand the need for an Online Safety policy.