E-safety
E-safety and online safety
At Elm Tree Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that all pupils can learn, communicate and explore technology safely and responsibly. Online safety is a key part of our safeguarding culture and is embedded throughout our curriculum and daily practice.
We teach children how to use the internet and digital technologies safely, respectfully and responsibly. Through our curriculum, assemblies and wider safeguarding education, pupils learn about topics such as online relationships, privacy and security, cyberbullying, misinformation and how to seek help if they are worried about something they have seen online.
Filtering and monitoring
The school has appropriate filtering and monitoring systems in place to help protect pupils when using school devices, networks and online services. These systems are designed to:
- Block access to inappropriate or harmful content.
- Monitor online activity for safeguarding concerns.
- Alert relevant staff to potential risks or unsafe behaviour.
- Support a safe digital learning environment while allowing access to appropriate educational resources.
Filtering and monitoring arrangements are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective, proportionate and compliant with current safeguarding guidance.
Working in partnership with parents and carers
We recognise that online safety is a shared responsibility between school and home. We work closely with parents and carers to help children develop safe online habits both in and out of school.
We support families by:
- Sharing online safety information, guidance and resources.
- Encouraging open conversations about children's online activities.
- Signposting parents and carers to trusted sources of advice and support.
Parents and carers are encouraged to contact the school if they have concerns about a child's online safety or would like further support and guidance.
Concerns and Reporting
Any online safety concerns involving pupils will be managed in line with the Child Protection and Safeguarding. This can be accessed within the policy section or by clicking on the link.
Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy 2025
Pupils are encouraged to speak to a trusted adult if they encounter anything online that makes them feel worried, upset or unsafe.
By working together with pupils, staff, parents and carers, we aim to create a safe, positive and responsible digital environment where all children can thrive.
For further information, please refer to our Online Safety Policy by clicking on the link or contact the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
Digital and Online Safety Policy
CEOP (the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command) helps keep children safe online by providing advice, education and a way to report concerns about online abuse, exploitation or grooming.
CEOP
Thinkuknow is an education programme from CEOP that provides children, parents and teachers with age-appropriate advice and resources to help keep children safe online.
Internet Matters is a non-profit organisation that provides expert advice, practical tools and resources to help parents and carers keep children safe and supported online.
What can trusted adults do?
As a parent or carer, keep a watchful eye on the content that your children are viewing, speak with them openly and chat about how they have been spending time on their devices; let them ask questions, too. Ensure that that parental controls are activated on any device that your child may use and that age-restricted child profiles are properly set up any on-demand services available through the family TV or digital devices to prevent inappropriate content being streamed.
Useful links for practical advice for parents and carers
NSPCC Keeping children safe online
Parent leaflet for supporting young people online
Conversation starters about online safety