Online Safety
Online safety is important to us here at Bradstow School. The three core ways in which we promote safe use is via.
- Use of technology - In the form of but not limited to internet content filtering, and secure filtered email services, protecting personal data, anonymised student email, managed internet content, restricted access to social media.
- Policies and practices - All staff are inducted and trained in Online Safety and in the acceptable use of ICT equipment.
- Education and training - Staff are made aware of their responsibilities to keep young people safe online, through training sessions using materials such as this:
- Online safety resources are available for parents and carers to access online from home. Children and young people are taught each spring term on a 3 year rolling programme with a developing focus each year.
Year 1, Spring 1 |
Internet SafetySafe in SchoolSelf-image & identity Health, wellbeing and lifestyle (including school apps) |
Year 2, Spring 1 |
Internet safetySafe at homeOnline relationships Online reputation Online bullying (Including apps, social media & chat platforms) |
Year 3, Spring 1 |
Internet safetySafe in the communityManaging online information Privacy & Security (Including mobile phones, internet safety in the workplace) |
Internet Safety
At Bradstow, a wide range of technologies are used throughout the school and play an invaluable part in the education of all students. All classrooms have a Smartboard that allow all pupils to access lessons via resources shown on an interactive computer screen. ICT is used in the majority of subjects to engage and motivate pupils and allow them access to a wide range of environments. To ensure that all pupils have equal access to ICT, adapted versions of keyboards, screens and devices are available. Teaching staff also use portable technology in classrooms; these include iPads, image and audio recording devices and programmable devices. We are also constantly seeking to ensure that our students are digitally literate and aware the risks that technology and online communication may present. In a world where technology plays and increasing part in more and more of our daily activities it is imperative that students leave Bradstow with the knowledge of how to use such technologies safely.
At Bradstow, we teach most of our internet safety through our Friends, Relationships and Community framework, overseen by our school Designated Safeguarding Leads. The curriculum intent for 'Internet Safety' is that children will be given the relevant toolkit, alongside the vocabulary, knowledge and skills needed, to understand the many positives and dangers of using the internet. They will feel inspired to lead their own learning, engage in communication, and ultimately, understand how to stay safe on the internet. As a nurturing school, we will fully support the children in their learning, intending that all children will feel confident discussing any internet safety concerns with our caring staff team.
Bradstow has a strict Internet Protocol so that our young people are able to use the Internet safely. The London Grid For Learning (LGfL) enables our young people to access the Internet via a secure server. Internet Safety is taught discretely, as well as woven through all computing learning, in both a fun and informative way, using videos, games, stories and various other activities. The impact of our provision is that our young people will be empowered and to make the right choices when navigating online platform, and give them the tools to seek appropriate help when faced with online dilemmas.
Child Safety on Youtube
The factsheet link below gives useful advice to parents/carers on YouTube and how to help ensure children and young people in their care stay as safe as possible:
Parent Factsheet | Child Safety On YouTube
Online Safety Links
Want to learn more about Online Safety?
Please click on the links below to access recommended Online Safety resources:
The Ultimate Parent Guide for Protecting Your Child on the Internet
TALK: IWF - checklist to keep young people safe from online abuse
YoungMinds Crisis Messenger
The YoungMinds Crisis Messenger text service provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support, you can text YM to 85258.
We know that finding the right support is important, especially if you need someone to talk to right now. We aim to connect every texter to a trained volunteer promptly to provide crisis help. They will listen to you and help you think more clearly, enabling you to know that you can take the next step to feeling better.
It is free and confidential to text our service from the following major networks:
EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.
These include - BT Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile, iD Mobile, Sky, Telecom Plus, Lebara and GiffGaff. Some Android phones issue a warning that you will be charged for texting us, provided you are on one of these networks this warning is incorrect and you will not be charged. If you text us from a network that is not on this list there is a possibility that you may be charged for the messages and that they may appear on your bill, this is because some networks do not provide the capability to message short codes.
For more information: