Online Safety

Keeping Our Children Safe Online

As a National Online Safety (NOS) certified school, Milking Bank has been recognised for its commitment to helping pupils stay safe online. We take a whole school approach to keeping children safe when using technology and work hand in hand with families to do so. 

Technology is essential in 21st century life for education, business and social interaction. As children move up through the school their access to various types of technology increases and it stands to reason that their exploration and curiosity increases too. The positives of the digital world overwhelmingly outweigh the negatives but children, schools and parents all need to be aware of various online risks. 

In simple terms, online safety refers to the act of staying safe online. It is also commonly known as internet safety, e-safety and cyber safety. It encompasses all technological devices which have access to the internet from PCs and laptops to smartphones and tablets.

Operating within an online space is something most of us simply do subconsciously, but have you ever stopped to consider the potential dangers which exist on the web, especially for our children?

The recent Ofcom 'Children and Parents: media use and attitudes report 2024'found that children are more engaged online than they’ve ever been. Ownership of smart devices is increasing and the range of content they are viewing is expanding.

In an ever-changing world, ensuring pupils’ safety online has never been more important. It’s an all-encompassing duty and something every teacher and parent must be vigilant of.

We have also been awarded the 360 Safe Online Safety Mark. As a school we reflect on our online safety provision, using a comprehensive matrix to ensure that we are always doing all we can to keep our children and families safe.

We ask that parents:

• Endorse (by signature) and adhere to the pupil acceptable user agreements as stated in each child’s school planner.
• Promote online safety practice by following the guidelines as stated in our Milking Bank Online Safety Policy. 
• Only take images of their own children when visiting school to celebrate achievements.
• Role model acceptable use with children and teach good habits by limiting screen time and setting parental restrictions and passwords.
• Set clear expectations and positive rules together. Have family rules about what is acceptable online and follow PEGI ratings, use age related apps only.
• Establish good habits early on through conversations about staying safe online. Sharing the SMART rules.

To read our policies relating to E-Safety and to gain a deeper understanding of our Computing Curriculum, please follow the links below.