Online Safety and Acceptable Use Policy

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose of the Policy

• To outline the school's commitment to safeguarding pupils, staff, and stakeholders in the digital environment.
• To ensure compliance with statutory requirements set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2023, the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
• To provide guiding principles for the appropriate and safe use of digital technologies, including the internet, social media, and electronic communication.

1.2 Scope

• Applicable to all members of the school community, including pupils, staff, governors, parents/carers, and visitors.
• Covers all online interactions within the school setting and school-related activities beyond the premises, including remote learning and home use of technology.

1.3 Legislative & Regulatory Framework

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2023
• Teaching Online Safety in Schools (DfE, 2019)
• UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
• Data Protection Act 2018
• Prevent Duty Guidance
• Ofsted Inspection Framework

2. Roles and Responsibilities

2.1 Governing Body

• Ensure the school has effective policies that comply with statutory guidelines.
• Monitor the effectiveness of the Online Safety Policy.

2.2 Headteacher and Leadership Team

• Ensure the policy is implemented consistently across the school.
• Promote a whole-school approach to online safety, ensuring key messages are embedded into curriculum planning.

2.3 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) & Online Safety Lead

• Take lead responsibility for online safety concerns and manage reporting procedures.
• Provide training and updates to staff on online risks, ensuring consistency with safeguarding policies.

2.4 Staff Responsibilities

• Adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).
• Educate pupils about responsible online behaviour.
• Report any online safety incidents following school procedures.

2.5 Pupils' Responsibilities

• Follow school rules regarding internet use and digital communication.
• Report concerns about online dangers, cyberbullying, and inappropriate content.

2.6 Parents and Carers' Responsibilities

• Support the school's approach to online safety.
• Ensure appropriate supervision of children's online activity at home.

3. Education and Training

3.1 Online Safety in the Curriculum

• Embed digital literacy and online safety education into computing and PSHE curricula.
• Teach pupils about age-appropriate risks such as cyberbullying, misinformation, privacy, and digital footprints (Teaching Online Safety in Schools, DfE, 2019).

3.2 Staff Training

• Provide regular training for school staff on online safety risks and school policies (KCSIE 2023).
• Ensure staff are familiar with procedures for reporting concerns and safeguarding children online.

3.3 Parental Engagement and Education

• Offer workshops and resources to help parents support their children's safe use of technology.
• Provide information on filtering, parental controls, and risk management.

4. Managing Online Risks

4.1 Filtering and Monitoring

• Implement appropriate web filtering in line with DfE Filtering and Monitoring Standards (2023) to block harmful or inappropriate content.
• Regularly review and assess the effectiveness of filters and monitoring practices.

4.2 Cyberbullying and Online Abuse

• Establish clear reporting procedures for cyberbullying, harassment, and abuse.
• Apply disciplinary actions in line with the Behaviour Policy and Anti-Bullying Policy.

4.3 Social Media Use

• Provide guidance on safe social media interactions for pupils and staff.
• Ensure staff adhere to professional standards when using social media.

4.4 Remote Learning and Online Communication

• Follow DfE guidance for safe remote learning, ensuring safeguarding principles are upheld with clear communication channels.
• Advise on safe use of video conferencing platforms.

5. Data Protection and Privacy

5.1 Personal Data and GDPR Compliance

• Ensure all online activities comply with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
• Staff must follow protocols regarding data storage, passwords, and information sharing.

5.2 Use of Digital Images and Media

• Obtain consent before using pupils' photos or videos.
• Ensure compliance with school policies regarding social media publication.

6. Reporting and Responding to Online Incidents

6.1 Procedures for Reporting Online Safety Concerns

• Staff and pupils must report online safety concerns to the DSL or Online Safety Lead.
• Maintain clear and confidential reporting routes in compliance with safeguarding protocols.

6.2 Responding to Online Incidents

• Follow the safeguarding response procedure for concerns related to online harm (KCSIE 2023).
• Ensure records of incidents are logged securely in line with school safeguarding procedures.

6.3 Dealing with Breaches of Policy

• Outline consequences for inappropriate internet use, cyberbullying, or breaches of digital security.
• Apply school disciplinary procedures in response to policy violations.

7. Policy Monitoring and Review

7.1 Policy Evaluation

• The Online Safety Policy should be reviewed annually in line with statutory guidance.
• Gather feedback from pupils, staff, and parents to assess the policy's effectiveness.

7.2 Review and Updates

• Ensure updates reflect changes in technology, legislation, and emerging online risks.
• Governors and the DSL must oversee the review process and approval of amendments.

8. Appendices

• Appendix A: Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for Pupils and Staff
• Appendix B: Online Safety Incident Reporting Procedure
• Appendix C: Guidance for Remote Learning & Video Conferencing
• Appendix D: Useful Online Safety Resources for Parents and Teachers

This Online Safety Policy Framework aligns with key DfE and Ofsted guidance, ensuring a whole-school approach to safeguarding pupils in an increasingly digital world. Regular review and engagement with stakeholders will help to maintain and uphold a strong online safety culture within the school.