Online Safety

At Bryn St Peter’s Primary School, we are committed to keeping our pupils safe in an increasingly digital world. Online safety is a key part of our safeguarding responsibility and is embedded throughout school life. We ensure our approach follows national guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education and advice from the UK Safer Internet Centre.

Our Approach to Online Safety

We believe that teaching children how to use technology safely is just as important as keeping them safe through filtering and monitoring. We aim to equip all pupils with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe, both in school and at home.

How We Keep Children Safe in School

At Bryn St Peter’s Primary School, we have a range of measures in place to protect pupils:

• Secure filtering and monitoring systems on all devices
• Clear acceptable use agreements for pupils and staff
• Regular staff training on safeguarding and online safety
• A trained Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) overseeing all concerns
• Safe and secure school networks and password protection
• Clear procedures for reporting and responding to concerns

What Children Learn About Online Safety

Online safety is taught across the curriculum through:

• Computing lessons using Purple Mash
• PSHE / RSHE lessons
• Whole-school assemblies and themed days

Children are taught to:

• Keep personal information private
• Communicate safely and respectfully online
• Recognise risks such as cyberbullying, scams and inappropriate content
• Understand what to do if something worries or upsets them
• Develop positive digital behaviours and responsibility

We also take part in national events such as Safer Internet Day to reinforce key messages.

Reporting Concerns

The safety and wellbeing of our pupils is our priority.

Children are encouraged to:

• Speak to a trusted adult in school
• Report anything online that makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe

Parents and carers can report concerns by contacting:

• The school office
• The Designated Safeguarding Lead

All concerns are taken seriously and dealt with in line with our safeguarding procedures.

Supporting Parents and Carers

We recognise the important role parents and carers play in keeping children safe online. At Bryn St Peter’s Primary School, we work in partnership with families to promote safe and responsible use of technology at home.

Monthly Online Safety Newsletters

We provide monthly online safety newsletters for parents and carers. These include:

• Up-to-date information about current online risks and trends
• Practical tips to help keep children safe online
• Guidance on apps, games and social media
• Advice on managing screen time and digital wellbeing

These newsletters help families stay informed and confident in supporting their child’s online safety.

Tips for keeping your child safe online:

• Use parental controls on devices and apps
• Talk regularly about your child’s online activity
• Keep devices in shared family spaces where possible
• Agree clear rules for screen time and internet use

Policies

For more information, please see our key policies:

• Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
• Behaviour Policy
• Anti-Bullying Policy
• Acceptable Use Agreements
• Online Safety Policy

Staff Training and Responsibilities

All staff at Bryn St Peter’s Primary School:

• Receive regular safeguarding and online safety training
• Understand how to identify risks such as cyberbullying and online grooming
• Know how to report concerns quickly and effectively

Online safety is monitored as part of our whole-school safeguarding approach.

Monitoring and Review

• Online safety practices are regularly reviewed
• Governors oversee safeguarding, including online safety
• Filtering and monitoring systems are checked for effectiveness

Pupil Voice

We value the views of our pupils. Children are encouraged to share their experiences and help shape how we promote online safety in school through class discussions, assemblies and pupil groups.

Need Help?

If you have any concerns about online safety, please contact the school. We are here to help and support both pupils and families.