Online Safety
Internet & Online Safety
The internet is a powerful tool for learning, creativity, and communication. At school, we are committed to helping pupils use technology safely, responsibly, and respectfully.
Staying Safe Online
Pupils are encouraged to:
Keep personal information private (full name, address, phone number, passwords, school details).
Use strong passwords and never share them with others.
Log out of accounts when using shared or public devices.
Think before clicking on links, pop-ups, or downloading files.
Online Behaviour and Digital Citizenship
We expect all pupils to:
Be kind and respectful in online communication.
Understand that online actions have real-world consequences.
Follow the school’s Acceptable Use of Technology Policy.
Avoid cyberbullying, inappropriate language, or sharing harmful content.
Social Media and Online Communication
Pupils should:
Use age-appropriate apps and platforms.
Adjust privacy settings on social media accounts.
Never accept friend requests or messages from strangers.
Avoid sharing images or videos without permission.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying includes sending or sharing hurtful, threatening, or embarrassing messages or images online.
Pupils should report cyberbullying immediately to a teacher, parent, or trusted adult.
The school takes all reports seriously and will respond appropriately.
Reporting Concerns
Pupils are encouraged to tell a trusted adult if they:
See or receive inappropriate content.
Feel unsafe or uncomfortable online.
Are being contacted by someone they don’t know.
Experience or witness cyberbullying.
How Parents Can Help
Parents can support internet safety by:
Talking regularly with children about their online activities.
Setting clear rules and expectations for device use.
Using parental controls where appropriate.
Encouraging open communication if problems arise online.
E-Safety Training
All pupils and staff receive extensive safeguarding training including training around keeping children safe online.
The school participates in the National Safer Internet Day and also deliver E-safety regulary as part of the Wider Curriculum Computing lessons and PSHE Curriculum.
Newsletters are also provided to support parents in ensuring the safety of their children outside of school on current issues and new technology. Where there are concerns about the appropriate use of social media outside of school conversations are had with parents and where necessary letters distributed to inform and guide parents further.
Online Safety guide for Parents/Guardians
There are a number of Websites that Parents/Guardians can access to support with Online Safety.
Below are links to website that may be useful
If you need any further advice please speak to a member of school site who will be able to support you.
Filtering and Monitoring
In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024, schools have a duty with regards to online filtering and monitoring.
William Bellamy has a commitment to providing a safe learning environment that protects pupils from harmful online material.
What is Filtering and Monitoring?
Filtering means blocking harmful internet sites and inappropriate content.
Monitoring is the protocols and procedures employed to ensure that there is a robust approach to checking that our systems are effective and that we respond swiftly to incidents of concern.
We use a recognised service provider – LGfL – that filters harmful and inappropriate content. LGfL is a member of the Internet Watch Foundation. We use a firewall and robust antivirus software. We use an encrypted and password protected Wi-Fi network. We manage data in compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018. LGfL will contact our school if they detect suspicious activity and/or outside interference. Staff are trained in how to respond to filtering and monitoring concerns.
Our filtering system blocks access to harmful sites and inappropriate content without stopping pupils from recognising their responsibility in keeping themselves and others safe, and without negatively impacting our teaching and learning provision.
The staff members for ensuring that filtering and monitoring procedures are in place are the Head Teacher/Deputy Heads, they are the lead members of SLT for responsibility with this important matter attending additional training. The governor responsible for ensuring that filtering and monitoring procedures are in place is Cindy Grove.