Styal Primary SchoolOnline Safety
“A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world’
(Primary National Curriculum, 2014)
In an ever changing world, where technology is relied on more and more to support our every day lives, future jobs and daily communication, it is vital that all children at Styal Primary School become competent and confident individuals who are able to use technological resources to learn, connect and innovate.
Being on-line is an integral part of children's lives. They access their virtual worlds through social media, on-line games, websites and APPs through a variety of technology such as mobile phones, computers, lap tops and tablets. It provides new opportunities for learning and growth but can also expose children to new types of risks.
Extensive safety measures in school ensure that there is monitoring of usage both internally and externally. Online safety incidents are recorded and investigated.
On-line safety is taught throughout the school as part of our Computing curriculum.
At Styal, the Computing curriculum is taught over three strands:
- Digital Literacy (including on-line safety)
- Computer Science (including coding)
- Information Technology (including spreadsheets, databases and music programs)
On-line Safety
At Styal Primary Shcool, we encourage children to think about how technology can be used as a positive tool but give them the skills to support them if and when they encounter a problem.
Coding
The children can solve problems and design games through their understanding of coding.
Information Technology
Children are encouraged to use a variety of software and hardware to be technically proficient.
Keeping Your Child Safe Online
The internet and online technology provide new opportunities for young people’s learning, communication and growth, but it can also expose them to new types of risks. It is vital that we teach our children to have the skills to be safe when they are online.
You do not need to be an expert on the internet to help keep your child safe online. I would encourage you to participate in an ongoing conversation with your child about the benefits and dangers of the online world and encouraged your children to ask any questions they have.
Children and parents sign an annual Acceptable Use Agreement that details roles and responsibilities in keeping children safe on-line.
Children in Year 5 / 6 are allowed to bring mobile phones to school if families complete and return to school the agreement form. Phones will be stored in a locker in the Sparkle Room for the whole day. Children are prohibited from using their phones on the school grounds.
Useful Websites and Apps
The following are a selection of useful websites and apps that provide opportunities for children to practise and apply Computing learning, as well as give Parents/Carers advice about eSafety.
Websites . . .
UK Safer Internet Centre – a partnership of three leading organisations: Childnet International, Internet Watch Foundation and SWGfL, to promote the safe and responsible use of technology for young people.
NSPCC with O2 – tools and advice to help keep your child safe online
Scratch – comprehensive free coding resource for children developed by the MIT Media Lab
Netaware – A website which has reviewed the most popular apps, games and social media sites, to help you navigate how to keep your child safe online.
Code.org – free coding platform for children with many learning activities and courses
Apps . . .
Scratch Jr – introductory programming tool that enables young children (ages 5-7) to create their own interactive stories and games
Hopscotch – a programming environment that lets children explore ideas while making real software (ages 8+)
Daisy the Dinosaur – built by the creators of Hopscotch to teach the basics of coding (ages 4+)
09/02/21- Safer Internet Day https://youtu.be/qlw-eFXM3Oo