E-Safety

The Internet has become part of our everyday lives and is now easier to access then ever before. At Penketh Primary School, we appreciate the importance of the internet as a learning tool for children today and the use of technology as an integral part of teaching and learning.

The children benefit from technical resources, with online capabilities at the centre of their learning. It provides them with the opportunities to access a wide range of educational tools, communicate with friends and investigate the world around them. However, there is also content available that is not suitable for children. We hope that the information provided on this page will help to keep your children safe and ensure they use technology, including mobile phones responsibly. If you wish to know more please contact a member of staff at school.

Use of the Internet can have risks. Young people are more at risk of exposure to inappropriate or criminal behaviour if they are unaware of the dangers.

These dangers include:

• Viewing unsuitable content e.g. hate material, adult content, sites that endorse unhealthy behaviour
• Giving out personal information
• Arranging to meet an online 'friend'
• Becoming involved in, or the victim of, bullying, identity theft, or making and sending indecent or illegal images
• Spending too much time online (internet addiction), which can effect concentration, sleep and health
• Copying information from the Internet or buying work from other people to use as their own.

There are lots of ways in which you can help your child to stay safe online. The internet is an incredibly useful resource and we want our young learners to be able to use it safely.

If you ever want help or advice about how to stay safe online, about privacy settings or how to report concerns, please do not hesitate to come into school and talk to your child's class teacher or any member of the Senior Leadership Team.  We will always do our best to help. Look out for our regular PCSO visits and talks in school as they can also provide further support. We have also included some useful guides at the top of this page.

The schools’ web filtering service provides a filter for staff and learners preventing them from accessing potentially harmful online content. The service intercepts all internet traffic from the school’s curriculum network which connects via the WBC broadband circuit. Further details can be accessed by clicking the documents below.

Here are our E-Safety Rules for staying safe on-line;

• Never give out personal information.
• Tell a grown-up if you find something that is not right.
• Never agree to meet people and never send your picture.
• If someone says something mean online, tell a grown-up.
• Don’t do things online that you know are wrong.
• Check before you download anything.
• Don’t give out your password.
• Show your parents and carers how you use the Internet.