At Ashbrook Junior School, online safety is an integral part of school life. We are committed to helping our pupils become confident, responsible and respectful users of technology, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the online world safely.

Technology provides incredible opportunities for learning, creativity and communication. Alongside these opportunities, we recognise the importance of teaching children how to use digital technology safely, responsibly and positively, both in school and at home.

Online safety is taught through our Computing and PSHE curriculum and is woven throughout everyday learning whenever children use technology, including regular online safety assemblies and theme days including Safer Internet Day.  We use Project Evolve (a nationally recognised online safety programme) and Kapow PSHE Curriculum to ensure our teaching is current, progressive and appropriate for each year group.

Our aim is to help every child develop the confidence to enjoy the benefits of technology whilst understanding how to recognise risks, make safe choices and know where to seek help if something worries them.

Our Online Safety Curriculum

Our online safety curriculum is built around (TBU)

• Self-Image and Identity
• Online Relationships
• Online Reputation
• Online Bullying
• Managing Online Information
• Health, Wellbeing and Lifestyle
• Privacy and Security
• Copyright and Ownership

These themes are revisited each year so that children continually build upon their understanding as they grow and encounter new technologies.

Online Safety Learning by Year Group

Year 3

 The online world: How can we stay safe online?

To identify what the internet can be used for.

To identify the benefits and challenges of online and in-person communication.

To communicate respectfully and appropriately in an online environment.

To recognise that disrespectful online communication can have a negative impact on others.

To identify different types of online bullying behaviour.

To choose whether to accept a friend request in an online game.

To recognise that some online features are not suitable for all ages.

To role-play how to report concerns about bullying, upsetting content or contact from strangers online to a trusted adult.

Year 4 

The online world: How can we decide what to trust online?

To identify the benefits and challenges of using the internet.

To identify age restriction symbols and explain why they exist.

To develop an understanding that some online information may be be misleading.

To give examples of what can happen when people share misleading information.

To investigate features that can help check whether online information is reliable.

To compare information from different online sources.

To use more than one source to decide whether online information is reliable.

To explain why checking multiple sources helps us know if something is true.

 

Year 5

The online world: How am I influenced by what I see online?

Understand that much online content is designed to influence people.

Identify how online content can influence people ( such as through adverts, videos, trends and opinions (presented as fact).

Explain that influence can affect what people buy, watch or believe and is not always obvious.

Recognise the difference between fact and opinion.

Explain that some people try to influence or mislead people on purpose, for example, to get money, attention or reactions.

Evaluate online content and assess whether it is reliable and true.

Report content to an adult or online if you think it is deliberately misleading (or makes them feel uncomfortable).

Year 6

The online world: How do I feel about the things I see online?

Understand how online platforms keep users engaged.

Recognise why online gaming can be risky.

Analyse how online content can influence how people think and feel.

Recognise and respond to harmful online behaviour.

Recognise that what we post online can affect ourselves and others.

Explain ways to positively respond to online experiences.

Supporting Families

Keeping children safe online is a partnership between school and home. We encourage parents and carers to talk regularly with their children about their online experiences, the websites and apps they use, and who they communicate with online.

Simple conversations can make a significant difference. Encourage your child to:

• Tell a trusted adult if something online worries or upsets them.
• Keep personal information private.
• Be kind and respectful when communicating online.
• Think carefully before sharing photographs, videos or messages.
• Use age-appropriate games, apps and websites.
• Remember that not everything they see online is true.

Online Safety Resources for Parents

The following organisations provide trusted advice and practical guidance for families:

• NSPCC Online Safety Keeping Children Safe Online | NSPCC
• National Online Safety
• UK Safer Internet Centre Homepage - UK Safer Internet Centre

These websites offer advice on topics including:

• Gaming
• Social media
• Mobile phones
• Privacy settings
• Screen time
• Cyberbullying
• Live streaming
• Parental controls
• Age ratings
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Reporting Concerns

If your child is worried about something they have seen or experienced online, we encourage them to speak to a trusted adult as soon as possible.

If you have any concerns about your child's online safety, please contact the school.

Online Safety Lead- Mr Huntingdon

For safeguarding concerns relating to online safety, please also contact one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads.

Parent Guides

Throughout the year we share online safety newsletters, guides and updates with families covering the latest apps, games and online trends. These can be found on our website or shared through Class Dojo.

 

By working together, we can help every child develop the knowledge, confidence and resilience to stay safe and make positive choices in an ever-changing digital world.