The Internet has become an integral part of children’s lives, enabling them to undertake research for school projects, talk to their friends and access information from around the world. Increasing provision of the Internet in and out of schools brings with it the need to ensure that learners are safe.

Internet development is constantly evolving into ever more innovative areas with many websites enabling amazing creativity and interaction between peers.

Unfortunately though, there are times when Internet use can have a negative effect on children. Schools should be aware of the potential dangers taking measures to ensure safe usage by all.

This area of our school website is dedicated to helping users better understand the issues around online safety and manage the risks more effectively.

Teaching Safe Use of the Internet and ICT

We believe that it is crucial to teach pupils how to use the Internet safely, both at home and at school, and we use the Kidsmart safety code to support our teaching in this area: 

Kidsmart has been developed by the Childnet charity and is endorsed by the DfES http://www.kidsmart.org.uk

The main aspects of this approach include the following five SMART tips:

• Safe - Staying safe involves being careful and not giving out your name, address, mobile phone no., school name or password to people online.
• Meeting someone you meet in cyberspace can be dangerous. Only do so with your parents'/carers' permission and then when they are present.
• Accepting e-mails or opening files from people you don't really know or trust can get you into trouble - they may contain viruses or nasty messages.
• Reliable - someone online may be lying and not be who they say they are. If you feel uncomfortable when chatting or messaging end the conversation.
• Tell your parent or carer if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried.

If you have any concerns or worries about your child and online safety and would like further advice, please contact Miss Hughes or Mr Lyons, the school's online safety co-ordinators or speak to Mrs Dainty, Headteacher.

WHISPER - Anonymous Reporting Tool

Sometimes it is really hard to tell an adult if you feel like you are being bullied. That is why we have subscribed to WHISPER. It is an anonymous reporting tool which allows you or your child to report any incidents of bullying and cyber bullying in confidence.

Click on the web link below to fill in a report. It will then be emailed to Miss Hughes (Online Safety Coordinator). Messages are checked as often as possible. In order to resolve issues effectively and promptly, please include your name. This will be kept in the strictest of confidence.

As part of our drive to raise the awareness of online safety, and to help our school community to become more responsible internet users, we have recently set up an online safety group. The group is made up of different stakeholders from Longmoor Primary School including, Senior Leaders, Teaching Staff, Support Staff, Parents, Governors and pupils.

There will be three meetings over the year, lasting no more than an hour after school on the following dates:

Tuesday 4th December 2018 at 3.30pm

Tuesday 12^th February 2019 at 3.30pm

Tuesday 18th June 2019 at 3.30pm

• To use the wide and varied knowledge of others with different skills.
• To monitor the impact of online safety education and to identify and fill any gaps.
• To raise and manage new initiatives including annual initiatives such as anti-bullying week and Safer Internet Day.
• To monitor and review policies.
• To monitor incidents and establish the best way of dealing with them.
• To engage the community - working together to benefit all.