Safeguarding

CHILDREN

Children - if you are worried about cyber bullying or anything else on the internet please tell a grown up. You can also report internet abuse on this website   www.ceop.police.uk

PARENTS                                                                                                        

The internet can play an important part in many aspects of school life, including teaching, learning and improving communication.  However, if not used properly, it can be dangerous or harmful.  This simple guide includes hints and tips for both parents and pupils.

Hints & Tips for Parents

• Technology is constantly changing and young people are continually learning – keep up to date on latest developments so you know about the risks.

• Online safety applies to all types of devices – PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones, e-readers and online gaming

• As technology becomes more portable, set guidelines for where your child could/should use their device

• Treat online safety in the same way as you would offline safety such as stranger danger, crossing the road etc.

• Set up internet security so children can’t access websites with adult and inappropriate content

• Don’t write anything online that you wouldn’t say in person.  Comments made on social media and/or public web pages/forums could reflect badly on your child

• Check out our IT policies, particularly the online safety policy, and adhere to them

• Cyber bullying should be treated in the same way as other forms of bullying; contact your child’s school to agree a plan for dealing with it

• Be aware that “sexting” increasingly involves younger children, some as young as 10

• Try to establish a system which allows your child to take to you about anything they feel uncomfortable about online

Things to Discuss with Children

• Where it is acceptable to use your portable device? Bedroom? School?

• Who should you talk to if you feel uncomfortable about something you have seen online? e.g. parent, teacher or other responsible adult

• Don’t spend too long online; make sure you get some physical exercise every day

• Keep passwords safe – don’t write them down and change them regularly

• What personal information is it appropriate to post online?

• How do you report cyber bullying? Take a screen grab of any posts so these can be seen at a later date if needed.

• How do you know the people you are talking to online, are who you think they are?

• What is the difference between a ‘real life’ friend and an ‘online friend’.

• Is it ever sensible to meet up with an online friend?

Other Sources of Information

The Lucy Faithfull Foundation www.lucyfaithfull.org

Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre www.ceop.police.uk

Think U Know www.thinkuknow.co.uk

NSPCC www.nspcc.org.uk

The Safeguarding Team at Shears Green Infant School:

• Mrs C Holder - Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) PREVENT Lead & Online Safety Lead
• Mrs S Warshow - Deputy DSL
• Mrs A Gillham - 2nd Deputy DSL
• Ms G Thumpston - Safeguarding Trustee

Other additional staff:

• Mrs A Wallin - Trust Family Support Worker
• Mrs J Haile - Local Family Support Worker
• Mr C W Hobson - CEO

Other additional links:

Kent LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer)

Shears Green Infant School is committed to the highest standards in protecting and safeguarding the children entrusted to our care.

Most recently, the Department for Education has published an updated version of the statutory guidance "Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023'

Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024

This makes clear the roles and responsibilities that school has.

Who are the Safeguarding Team at Shears Green Infant School?:

• Ms C Holder - Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) PREVENT Lead & Online Saftey Lead
• Mrs S Warshow - Deputy DSL
• Mrs A Gillham - 2nd Deputy DSL
• Mr C W Hobson - Safeguarding Representative (Local Standards Group)
• Ms G Thumpston - Safeguarding Trustee

HM Government has published guidance for authorities, including schools, on their responsibilities under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act, which came into effect on 1 July 2015.  Under the Act, schools and other authorities have a duty to “have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”.

Prevent is a government strategy designed to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes.  The Prevent strategy covers all types of terrorism and extremism, including the extreme right wing, violent groups and other causes.

How does the Prevent strategy apply to schools?

From July 2015 all schools (as well as other organisations) have a duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism.   This means we have a responsibility to protect children from extremist and violent views the same way we protect them from other dangers.  Importantly, we can provide a safe place for pupils to discuss these issues so they better understand how to protect themselves.

What does this mean in practice?

Many of the things we already do in school to help children become positive, happy members of society also contribute to the Prevent strategy.

These include:

• Exploring other cultures and religions and promoting diversity.
• Challenging prejudices and racist comments.
• Developing critical thinking skills and a strong, positive self-identity.
• Promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, as well as British values such as democracy.

We will also protect children from the risk of radicalisation, for example by using filters on the internet to make sure they can’t access extremist and terrorist material, or by vetting visitors who come into school to work with pupils.  Different schools will carry out the Prevent duty in different ways, depending on the age of the children and the needs of the community. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

How does Prevent relate to British values?

Schools have been required to promote British values since 2014, and this will continue to be part of our response to the Prevent strategy.

British values include:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty and mutual respect
• Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs

Isn’t my child too young to learn about extremism?

The Prevent strategy is not just about discussing extremism itself, which may not be appropriate for younger children. It is also about teaching children values such as tolerance and mutual respect.

The school will make sure any discussions are suitable for the age and maturity of the children involved.

Is extremism really a risk in our area?

Extremism can take many forms, including political, religious and misogynistic extremism. Some of these may be a bigger threat in our area than others.

We will give children the skills to protect them from any extremist views they may encounter, now or later in their lives.

KEY TERMS

Extremism – vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values such as democracy, the rule of law and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.

Ideology – a set of beliefs.

Terrorism – a violent action against people or property, designed to create fear and advance a political, religious or ideological cause.

Radicalisation – the process by which a person comes to support extremism and terrorism.

Where to go for more information:

If you have any questions or concerns about the Prevent strategy and what it means for your child, please do not hesitate to contact the school.