Online Safety

At Reynalds Cross we recognise that technology plays an important role in the lives of children and young people. We are committed to supporting pupils to use the internet, digital devices and online services in a safe, responsible and positive way.

Online safety is an essential part of our wider safeguarding approach and is treated with the same importance as other aspects of pupil safety and wellbeing.

Teaching online safety in school

Pupils are taught about online safety regularly through age-appropriate learning across the curriculum. This includes learning how to stay safe online, how to behave respectfully when using technology and how to recognise situations that may make them feel uncomfortable or unsure.

Teaching is adapted to meet the individual needs of pupils and may include the use of visual support, repetition and practical activities to help understanding. Online safety messages are reinforced throughout the school day and linked to real-life situations wherever possible.

Safe use of technology

The school provides access to a range of technology to support learning and communication, including desktop computers, laptops and tablets. When pupils use technology in school, they are supervised by staff and supported to use devices safely and appropriately, in line with their individual needs.

The school uses an internet filtering and monitoring system to help block access to harmful or unsuitable content. While filtering systems reduce risk, no system is completely foolproof. For this reason, online safety is supported through a combination of technical controls, staff supervision and regular teaching to help pupils develop safe and responsible online behaviours.

Acceptable use and expectations

Pupils are supported to understand what acceptable use of technology looks like, including being kind and respectful online, keeping personal information private and telling a trusted adult if something worries them.

Parents and carers are encouraged to support these messages at home by talking to their child about what they do online and setting appropriate boundaries around device use.

Working with parents and carers

We recognise that online safety does not stop at the school gate. Parents and carers play an important role in supporting children and young people to stay safe online.

We encourage parents and carers to:

Talk regularly with their child about online activities
Take an interest in the apps, games and websites their child uses
Use parental controls where appropriate
Seek advice if they are unsure about online risks

Links to trusted external resources are provided below to support families in understanding online safety and current issues.

Safeguarding and reporting concerns

Online safety concerns are treated as safeguarding matters. If a pupil shares a concern about something they have seen or experienced online, this will be followed up in line with the school’s safeguarding procedures.

Parents and carers who have concerns about online safety should contact the school so that these can be addressed appropriately. The school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) has overall responsibility for safeguarding, including online safety, supported by trained staff.

Review and monitoring

The school’s approach to online safety is reviewed regularly as part of our safeguarding arrangements to ensure it remains effective and appropriate for our pupils.

Useful resources for parents and carers

The following websites provide clear and up-to-date guidance on online safety for families:

These resources offer advice on a wide range of topics, including social media, gaming, parental controls and talking to children about staying safe online.

Supporting online safety at home

We recognise that online safety continues beyond the school day and that families play an important role in supporting children and young people when they are using technology at home. Keeping conversations open about online activities can help children feel comfortable sharing what they enjoy doing online, as well as any worries or questions they may have.

Clear and consistent boundaries around device use can help children understand expectations and feel secure. This might include agreeing when and where devices can be used, or how long screen time should last. Taking an interest in the games, apps and websites your child uses can also be helpful, as it allows you to better understand the online spaces they are accessing.

Where appropriate, parental controls can be used to support safe online use, alongside regular discussions about staying safe and making good choices online. Encouraging children to talk to a trusted adult if something they see or experience online makes them feel uncomfortable or unsure reinforces the messages they receive in school.

The resources linked on this page provide further guidance and support for families around online safety at home.