office@dodford.worcs.sch.uk
01527831569Online Safeguarding
Keeping Our Children Safe Online
At Dodford First School, the safety, wellbeing and happiness of our children are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive and nurturing environment in which all children can learn, explore and develop the skills they need to thrive, both in the classroom and in the wider digital world.
The internet is an important part of modern life and offers children exciting opportunities to learn, communicate, create and discover new things. From educational websites and interactive learning platforms to online games and digital communication, technology plays an increasingly significant role in children's everyday experiences.
However, alongside these opportunities, we recognise that the online world can present risks and challenges, particularly for younger children. At Dodford First School, we believe that online safeguarding is a shared responsibility between school, children, parents and carers. By working together, we aim to ensure that every child develops the knowledge, confidence and understanding needed to use technology safely, responsibly and positively.
Online Safety in Our Curriculum
Online safety is an important part of our safeguarding provision and is embedded throughout our curriculum, particularly within Computing, Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education and Relationships Education.
We recognise that children need to develop their understanding of online safety from an early age. Our approach is designed to be age-appropriate, engaging and relevant to the digital experiences of our pupils.
Through classroom discussions, stories, practical activities and everyday learning opportunities, we help children to understand:
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How to use the internet and digital devices safely and responsibly.
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The importance of keeping personal information, including names, addresses, passwords and photographs, private.
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How to recognise when something online makes them feel worried, uncomfortable or unsure.
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Why they should never share personal information with people they do not know.
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The importance of being kind, respectful and considerate towards others when communicating online.
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How to recognise that not everything they see or read on the internet is necessarily true or trustworthy.
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Why they should always seek permission from a trusted adult before accessing unfamiliar websites, downloading content or communicating with others online.
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What to do if they encounter something upsetting, inappropriate or unexpected.
We encourage children to develop positive digital habits and to understand that the same expectations of kindness, respect and good behaviour apply online as they do in the classroom and playground.
Our aim is to empower children to make sensible decisions, recognise potential risks and feel confident asking for help whenever they need it.
Creating a Safe Digital Learning Environment
At Dodford First School, we recognise our responsibility to provide a safe digital environment for all pupils.
We aim to ensure that technology used within school supports children's learning while minimising their exposure to potentially harmful or inappropriate online content.
Our online safeguarding approach includes appropriate supervision, clear expectations for the responsible use of technology and the use of suitable filtering and monitoring arrangements.
We also recognise that online safety is about much more than restricting access to inappropriate material. It is about helping children develop the understanding and confidence to navigate the online world safely as they grow and become increasingly independent.
Staff play an important role in modelling responsible technology use, promoting positive online behaviour and ensuring that children know who they can speak to if they experience anything that concerns them.
Online safeguarding is an ongoing priority, and we recognise the importance of responding to emerging technologies, changing online trends and the evolving digital experiences of our pupils.
Working Together with Parents and Carers
We believe that a strong partnership between home and school is essential in helping children stay safe online.
Many children begin using digital devices, online games, streaming services and interactive platforms from a young age. Although these experiences can be enjoyable and educational, they may also expose children to unfamiliar situations, inappropriate content or contact with people they do not know.
We encourage parents and carers to take an active interest in their children's online activities and to create a home environment in which children feel comfortable talking openly about their digital experiences.
There are several simple ways families can support online safety at home:
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Talk regularly with your child about the websites, games and apps they enjoy using.
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Explore online activities together and encourage your child to share their experiences with you.
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Establish clear, age-appropriate boundaries around internet access, screen time and the use of digital devices.
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Make use of parental controls, privacy settings and age restrictions on devices, apps and online platforms.
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Encourage children to use devices in shared family spaces, particularly when accessing the internet.
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Remind children never to share personal information, passwords, photographs or their location without permission.
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Help children understand that people they communicate with online may not always be who they say they are.
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Reassure your child that they can always speak to you or another trusted adult if something online worries or upsets them.
Most importantly, we encourage families to maintain open, positive and non-judgemental conversations about online safety.
Children should feel confident that they can ask for help without fear of getting into trouble, even if they have made a mistake or encountered something they were not supposed to see.
By showing an interest in children's online experiences and helping them develop healthy digital habits, we can support them in becoming safe, confident and responsible users of technology.
What Should I Do If I Have an Online Safety Concern?
At Dodford First School, we want every child to feel safe, listened to and supported.
We encourage children to tell a trusted adult immediately if they see something online that makes them feel frightened, upset, confused or uncomfortable, or if someone communicates with them in a way that causes concern.
If your child shares an online safety concern with you, it is important to remain calm, listen carefully and reassure them that they have done the right thing by speaking up.
Parents and carers who have concerns about their child's online safety are encouraged to contact the school and speak to a member of our safeguarding team.
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) can provide guidance and support and, where appropriate, work with families and relevant safeguarding services to ensure that concerns are addressed.
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, please contact the police by calling 999.
Useful Online Safety Resources for Parents and Carers
We encourage families to make use of trusted online safety organisations that provide practical advice, age-appropriate guidance and up-to-date information about keeping children safe in the digital world.
CEOP Education
Provides information and educational resources to help children, parents and carers understand online risks and stay safe. Concerns about online sexual abuse or grooming can also be reported through CEOP.
Offers guidance on parental controls, online games, social media, cyberbullying and having conversations with children about their online experiences.
Provides online safety advice, educational activities and resources designed to help children and families enjoy the internet safely and responsibly.
Offers practical guidance for families, including age-specific online safety advice, parental control guides and information about popular apps, games and digital devices.
Provides resources, advice and information for children, parents, carers and schools to promote the safe and responsible use of technology.
Our Commitment to Online Safeguarding
At Dodford First School, we are committed to ensuring that online safety remains an integral part of our whole-school approach to safeguarding.
We want our children to embrace the opportunities that technology offers while understanding how to protect themselves and others in an increasingly connected world.
By providing age-appropriate education, encouraging open communication and working closely with parents and carers, we aim to equip every child with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to make safe and responsible choices online.
Together, we can help our children enjoy the benefits of the digital world while ensuring that their safety, wellbeing and happiness always come first.