Online Safety

Online Safety at Winshill Village

At Winshill Village Primary and Nursery School, we recognise that online services are a vital part of modern education. Technology supports high standards, enhances teaching and learning, and helps our pupils achieve their very best. Because digital tools are embedded throughout school life, we have strong measures in place to ensure the safety of both pupils and staff.

Online safety is a broad and ever-changing area, but the main risks can be grouped into four categories:

• Content – being exposed to illegal, inappropriate or harmful material, such as fake news, self-harm content, or discriminatory views.

• Contact – being subjected to harmful online interaction, such as peer pressure, targeted advertising, or adults posing as children with the intention of grooming or exploitation.

• Conduct – personal online behaviour that may cause harm, such as cyberbullying or sending/receiving explicit messages.

• Commerce – risks including online gambling, inappropriate advertising, phishing or financial scams.

Our approach to online safety focuses on reducing these risks through a combination of clear policies, secure systems, and age-appropriate teaching. We provide pupils with the knowledge and skills to use technology responsibly and safely, while giving staff the guidance they need to support children in the digital world.

By working together with parents, carers and the wider community, we aim to ensure that every child at Winshill Village can enjoy the benefits of the online world while staying safe and protected.

What Can Parents Do?

At Winshill Village, we know that keeping children safe online is a partnership between school and home. The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) provides a dedicated website full of advice and resources to support families. It includes:

• Age-appropriate sections for children.

• Games and videos to help pupils learn about staying safe online.

• Practical guidance for parents and carers.

• Support if something goes wrong.

We strongly recommend that parents explore these resources and revisit them regularly. Technology changes quickly, and the best way to protect your child is to stay informed and up to date.

Alongside CEOP, we provide parents with:

• The latest safety updates and tips in our weekly newsletter.

By working together, we can help children enjoy the benefits of the digital world while keeping them safe.