At Herne, we understand that the use of the Internet and computers are a valuable life skill for learners of all ages. We recognise the importance of learning key technological life skills in order to prepare our children for life in an ever-changing digital world.

All pupils have regular access to computer facilities at our school, whether that be in the Computing suite or using our school tablets. We actively encourage the use of technology across the curriculum to support and extend learning.

We acknowledge that computers and the internet do have the potential for inappropriate use and unfortunately, there is access to undesirable material; we know that we have a duty of care to protect our pupils. We protect our pupils in school by:

• Using a strong filtered Internet Service to prevent access to internet sites with undesirable material.
• Supervision of Internet access during school hours by a member of staff.
• Setting clear Internet rules - which we regularly share with pupils.

All staff and governors have completed safeguarding and e-learning training developed by The National Counter Terrorism Policing Headquarters (NCTPHQ), in conjunction with the College of Policing, which includes guidance on how to identify people who may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism, and how to refer them into the Channel process. Please click the link, which will take you to our Safeguarding Policy.

Scheme of work

Throughout their time at Herne, children will be taught safe practice when using the internet. We ensure we teach children about the difference between personal and private information, focusing on what it is safe to share. We also teach children about what behaviours are acceptable and morally right online, and support children when they are being targeted. As staff, we model acceptable, thoughtful and responsible internet use through our own use of emails and photographs and the way we behave on the school website and Social Media pages.

Children complete a progressive scheme of work, with one lesson per term, to learn about how to stay safe, secure and responsible in an online world. For more information, see our overview below:

Take a look at our Safer Internet Day Worship using the link below

All your Online Safety needs can be found here.

A great app with games both parents and children can play at the same time (split screen) can be downloaded using your app store. This game has been created by InternetMatters.org – the website we believe in.

Do you have an issue you wish to report?

Is the issue of a criminal nature? Do you need support from the police? If so, click on CEOP and fill in the form. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult due to the nature of the form.

All staff and governors have completed safeguarding and e-learning training developed by The National Counter Terrorism Policing Headquarters (NCTPHQ), in conjunction with the College of Policing which includes guidance on how to identify people who may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism, and how to refer them into the Channel process. Please click to take you to our Safeguarding Policy.

Use the link below to our Safeguarding and Online Safety Policies

Courtesy of the NSPCC and 02, here are a few age related tips to help you get started:

5 – 7 year olds – ‘Proper’ social networks will still be off-limits, but social games such as Disney’s Club Penguin are a great way for your kids to dip a toe in the water, with a bit of  parental supervision. Just keep an eye on in-app purchases, set clear boundaries for use and start talking about staying safe and what to do if they have a concern.

8 – 11 year olds – Social networks  will start to come onto the radar, but try to resist for now.  Facebook doesn’t allow users younger than 13 (due to advertising laws in the USA) to join. You may also be thinking about your child’s first phone or tablet. Consider using app store gift cards to limit how much they spend on downloads.