eSafety Policy
This policy is based on and complies with DENI Circular 2007/1 on Acceptable Use of the Internet and Digital Technologies in Schools
1. Introduction
In Finaghy PS we believe that the Internet and other digital technologies are very powerful resources which can enhance and potentially transform teaching and learning when used effectively and appropriately. The Internet is an essential element of 21st century life for education, business and social interaction. This school provides pupils with opportunities to use the excellent resources on the Internet, along with developing the skills necessary to access, analyse and evaluate them.
The above circular states that:
“Used well, digital technologies are powerful, worthwhile educational tools; technical safeguards can partly protect users, but education in safe, effective practices is a key goal for schools.”
This document sets out the policy and practices for the safe and effective use of the Internet in Finaghy Primary School.
It will be approved by governors and available to all parents.
The policy and its implementation will be reviewed annually.
2. Code of Safe Practice
When using the Internet, email systems and digital technologies, all users must comply with all relevant legislation on copyright, property theft, libel, fraud, discrimination and obscenity. The Code of Safe Practice for Finaghy PS makes explicit to all users (staff and pupils) what is safe and acceptable and what is not.
The scope of the Code covers fixed and mobile Internet; school PCs, laptops, iPads and digital video equipment. It should also be noted that the use of devices owned personally by staff and pupils but brought onto school premises (such as mobile phones, iPads, tablets, Kindles) is subject to the same requirements as technology provided by the school.
The wi-fi for iPads has been set up by http://schoolsupportni.com/. It is password protected. Internet is filtered using the Metacert app.
The ICT Co-ordinator will monitor the effectiveness of the Code of Practice, particularly in the light of new developments in technology.
Code of Practice for pupils
Pupil access to the Internet is through a filtered service provided by C2K, which should ensure educational use made of resources is safe and secure, while protecting users and systems from abuse.
In addition, internet access on the iPads is filtered using the Metacert app.
The following key measures have been adopted by Finaghy Primary School to try to ensure that our pupils do not access any inappropriate material:
- Pupils using the Internet will normally be working in highly-visible areas of the school;
- All online activity is for appropriate educational purposes and is supervised
- Pupils will, where appropriate, use sites pre-selected by the teacher and appropriate to their age group;
- Pupils in Key Stage 2 are educated in the safe and effective use of the Internet, through a number of selected programmes.
It should be accepted, however, that however rigorous these measures may be, they can never be 100% effective. Neither the school nor C2K can accept liability under such circumstances.
The use of mobile phones by pupils is not normally permitted on the school premises during school hours, unless in exceptional circumstances, where permission may be granted by a member of staff.
Social network sites are not accessible for pupils whilst in school.
Google Drive cloud storage is available for Key Stage 2 pupils but is only used for school-related material.
Sanctions
Incidents of technology misuse which arise will be dealt with in accordance with the school’s discipline policy. Minor incidents will be dealt with by the Principal/ICT co-ordinator and may result in a temporary or permanent ban on Internet use.
Incidents involving child protection issues will be dealt with in accordance with school child protection procedures.
Code of Practice
- Pupils accessing the Internet should supervised by an adult at all times.
- All pupils are aware of the rules for the safe and effective use of the Internet.
- Websites used by pupils should be checked beforehand by teachers where possible to ensure there is no unsuitable content and that material is age-appropriate.
- Deliberate/accidental access to inappropriate materials or any other breaches of the school code of practice should be reported immediately to the Principal/ICT co-ordinator.
- In the interests of system security, staff passwords are only shared with the network manager.
- Teachers are aware that the C2K and iPad system tracks all Internet use and records the sites visited. The system also logs emails and messages sent and received by individual users.
- Teachers should be aware of copyright and intellectual property rights and should be careful not to download or use any materials which are in breach of these.
- Photographs and videos taken by staff members are only for legitimate school use. Staff using smartphones to record images or video will delete images once legitimate purpose is achieved. Parents are asked to sign a consent document when their child is enrolled at the school, for images of their child to be recorded and displayed.
- The school Twitter account is managed by the Principal only, and is regularly monitored for inappropriate use.
- School systems may not be used for unauthorised commercial transactions.
3. Internet Safety Awareness
In Finaghy PS we believe that, alongside having a written e-safety policy and code of practice, it is essential to educate all users in the safe and effective use of the Internet and other forms of digital communication. We see the educational use of the Internet as an appropriate, effective, safe and essential element of the school curriculum.
Internet Safety Awareness for pupils
Rules for the Acceptable use of the Internet are discussed with all pupils. In addition, Key Stage 2 pupils follow a structured programme of Internet Safety Awareness using a range of online resources e.g. http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/topics/stay-safe
The ICT Co-ordinator will keep staff informed and updated on issues relating to Internet Safety and attend courses when available. This training is then disseminated to all teaching staff, classroom assistants and supervisory assistants.
4. Health and Safety
Finaghy Primary School has attempted, so far as is possible, to ensure a safe working environment for pupils and teachers using ICT resources, both in classrooms and in the resource areas, which have been designed in accordance with health and safety guidelines. Pupils are supervised when Interactive Whiteboards and Digital Projectors are being used.
Instances of cyber bullying of pupils or staff are dealt with according to the school’s discipline policy and child protection procedures.
Pupils are aware that any misuse of mobile phones/websites/email should be reported to a member of staff immediately.
Parents
Parents of pupils attending Finaghy Primary School are made aware that they should not use cameras on school premises and should not discuss pupils online, share pupil or staff information, display images using social media or upload such to the Internet for any purpose.