West Heath Primary School

Online Safety

At West Heath Primary School, keeping children safe online is a vital part of our safeguarding responsibilities. We recognise that technology plays an important role in children’s learning and everyday lives, and we are committed to helping pupils use the internet and digital technologies safely, responsibly, and respectfully.

Online safety (sometimes referred to as e‑safety) is taught across the curriculum and reinforced through assemblies, discussions, and day‑to‑day practice.

Our Approach to Online Safety

We take a whole‑school approach to online safety by:

  • Teaching children how to stay safe when using the internet and digital devices
  • Using appropriate filtering and monitoring systems on school devices
  • Ensuring all staff receive safeguarding and online safety training
  • Working in partnership with parents and carers
  • Encouraging children to speak to a trusted adult if they are worried about something they see or experience online

Online safety is part of our wider safeguarding and child protection procedures.

Teaching Online Safety to Pupils

Children are taught age‑appropriate online safety skills from Early Years through to Year 6. This includes learning about:

  • Keeping personal information private
  • Using kind and respectful communication online
  • Understanding what to do if something worries or upsets them
  • Recognising unsafe or inappropriate content
  • Knowing how and where to report concerns

Online safety is taught through Computing, PSHE, assemblies, and themed events such as Safer Internet Day.

Monitoring and Filtering

The school uses filtering and monitoring systems to help protect pupils from inappropriate content while using school devices and networks. Internet use in school is supervised, and pupils are reminded of acceptable use whenever technology is used.

Any online safety concerns or incidents are logged and managed in line with our safeguarding procedures.

Supporting Parents and Carers

We believe that online safety works best when school and home work together. We encourage parents and carers to:

  • Talk regularly with their children about online activity
  • Set appropriate parental controls and privacy settings at home
  • Be aware of the games, apps, and websites their child uses
  • Encourage children to speak up if something online makes them feel uncomfortable

Below are some trusted websites that offer guidance and support for families.

Helpful Online Safety Resources

These sites provide advice on social media, gaming, parental controls, and reporting concerns.

Reporting Online Safety Concerns

Children are reminded that they should always tell a trusted adult if they see or experience something online that worries them.

Concerns can be raised with:

  • Your child’s class teacher
  • A member of the safeguarding team
  • The school office

Serious concerns about online abuse or grooming can be reported directly to CEOP via the ThinkUKnow website.

School Policies

For further information, please see:

  • Online Safety and Social Media Policy
  • Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
  • Behaviour Policy

These can be found on the Policies section of our website.

If you would like support or advice regarding online safety, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Please see the Governments Support for parents and carers to keep children safe online for further information and advice.

 

↑