Online Safety
At our school, we believe that online safety is an essential part of helping children grow into responsible, respectful, and confident digital citizens. Learning how to stay safe and make sensible choices online begins in the Early Years, where children explore ideas such as screen time, personal information and trusted adults. As children move through Key Stages 1 and 2, online safety is taught through both the Computing and PSHE curricula in line with the National Curriculum expectations. Each year begins with our Acceptable Use Policy, where children are reminded how to use technology safely and respectfully both in school and at home. All children from Year 1 upwards sign this agreement to show their understanding and commitment. Online safety is also revisited throughout the year in every computing lesson and through dedicated PSHE sessions. We celebrate Safer Internet Day annually with workshops for children and parents, promoting open discussion and practical strategies for staying safe online.
Our online safety curriculum builds progressively across the school. In EYFS, children learn about screen time, keeping personal information private, and identifying trusted adults. In Year 1, children recognise that some websites ask for private information and discuss how to respond safely. In Year 2, they learn to choose appropriate websites, seek help when something feels unsafe, and begin to understand the internet’s benefits and drawbacks, including lessons on ownership and permissions. By Year 3, children explain the advantages and disadvantages of online communication and describe simple rules for sharing information safely. In Year 4, they discuss cyberbullying, healthy technology use, and environmental impacts. In Year 5, children learn to demonstrate responsible online behaviour, use strategies to protect themselves and others, and understand the impact of digital content. By Year 6, children develop a mature understanding of their digital footprint, recognising the risks of sharing personal or inappropriate content online and learning how to create secure passwords. Across all stages, children are encouraged to think critically, act kindly, and make informed choices whenever they use technology.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
As technology continues to evolve, we believe it’s important that children begin to understand what Artificial Intelligence (AI) is and how it is shaping the world around them. In Key Stage 2, pupils are introduced to the concept of generative AI — technology that can create text, images, or sounds based on data and prompts. Although children do not use AI tools independently, teachers model their safe and responsible use during computing lessons to show how these systems can support learning and creativity when used thoughtfully. Discussions focus on how AI works, the importance of checking information for accuracy, and the need to use technology ethically and responsibly. By learning about AI in this guided and age-appropriate way, pupils develop the awareness and critical thinking skills they will need to use emerging technologies safely in the future.
Online Safety at Home
We know that technology plays a big part in children’s lives outside of school, and keeping them safe online is most effective when we work together. At home, we encourage parents to talk regularly with their children about what they do online — from playing games and watching videos to chatting with friends — and to agree clear, age-appropriate boundaries for screen time and device use. It’s helpful to keep technology in shared family spaces, explore apps and websites together, and make use of parental controls and privacy settings. Most importantly, children should always know they can speak to a trusted adult if something online makes them feel unsure or uncomfortable. By building open, ongoing conversations about online safety, parents can help children develop the confidence to use technology positively, respectfully and responsibly both at home and beyond.
You can find more support at home on the following links:
NSPCC: Keeping Children Safe Online – tips on online risks, privacy, and talking to children about the internet.
CEOP Education – resources, videos, and advice to help parents and schools teach children how to stay safe from online abuse and exploitation.
CEOP Safety Centre – a place to report concerns about online behaviour or contact directly to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command.
LGfL ParentSafe – up-to-date guides, safety tips, and practical tools from the London Grid for Learning to help families keep children safe and confident online.
National Online Safety – free guides for parents on popular games, apps, and social media platforms.
Childnet – helpful resources and conversation starters for supporting children online.
Internet Matters – expert advice on digital wellbeing, screen time, and parental controls.