Online Safety

Online safety is an integral part of every child’s education in today’s digital world and is embedded throughout the curriculum at William Murdoch Primary School.

We aim to support both parents and pupils in developing a strong understanding of online safety, so that they can use the internet and digital technologies safely, responsibly and confidently.

As part of the curriculum and to support the development of pupils’ computing skills, William Murdoch Primary School provides supervised and monitored access to the internet.

We believe that effective use of the World Wide Web is valuable and an essential skill for children growing up in the modern world.

Although there may be concerns about pupils accessing inappropriate material, we take robust measures to reduce this risk in school.

Our internet provider, Entrust, operates a filtering and monitoring system that restricts access to inappropriate websites and materials.

However, this level of protection may not always be in place at home. We therefore provide guidance and advice for parents on safe internet use, including during parents’ evenings and upon request.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that appropriate restrictions are in place to prevent access to unsuitable material, it is important that pupils are also supported to develop the knowledge and skills to stay safe online independently.

The school takes all reasonable steps to safeguard pupils when using school systems; however, parents and carers also play a vital role in supervising internet use outside of school.

The following rules help to keep everyone safe online:

• I will ask permission before using the internet.

• I will keep my login details and password secure and will not share them with others.

• I will only access, edit or delete my own files.

• I will not bring external devices (e.g. USB drives or memory cards) into school without permission.

• I will only communicate with people online if my teacher has approved this.

• I will ensure that any messages I send are polite and appropriate.

• I understand that I must never share personal information, such as my home address or phone number, or arrange to meet anyone I have only met online.

• I will ask for permission before opening emails or attachments from unknown sources.

• I will not access social media platforms or online chatrooms whilst at school.

• If I see anything that makes me feel uncomfortable or unsafe, I will report it to a trusted adult immediately.

• I understand that the school may monitor my use of school devices, files and internet activity.

• I understand that if I do not follow these rules, there may be consequences, including restricted access to technology.

The following links provide further information for parents regarding using technology safely: