KINSON PRIMARY SCHOOL

E-Safety and Acceptable ICT Usage Policy

Core Principles of E-Safety Policy

The E-Safety Policy encompasses the safe use of internet and electronic communications technologies such as mobile phones and wireless connectivity. It includes the need to educate children and young people about the benefits and risks of using new technologies both in and away from school. Included within the policy are safeguards and rules to guide staff, pupils and visitors in their online experiences.

The school’s E-safety policy operates in conjunction with others including policies for Pupil Behaviour, Bullying, Curriculum, Data Protection, Safeguarding Children and Security plus any Home-School Agreement. It is part of the ICT Policy and School Development Plan and relates to other policies including those for behaviour, for personal, social and health education (PHSE) and for citizenship

21^st century life presents dangers including violence, racism and exploitation from which children and young people need to be protected. At the same time they must learn to recognise and avoid these risks – to become “Internet Wise”. Schools need to ensure that they are fully aware of the risks, perform risk assessments and implement a policy for Internet use. Pupils need to know how to cope if they come across inappropriate and illegal material.

Effective Practice in E-Safety

E-safety depends on effective practice at a number of levels:

·            E Safety educational resources and programmes delivered across the whole school community (pupils, staff and parents)

·            Appropriate supervision and e-safety education;

·            A defined, comprehensive, agreed & implemented e-safety & acceptable usage policy;

·            Secure, filtered broadband from the SWGrid for Learning & Bournemouth Borough C.;

·            A school network that complies with the National Education Network standards and specifications;

Responsibility

Internet safety depends on staff, schools, governors, advisers, parents and, where appropriate, the pupils themselves taking responsibility for the use of Internet and other communication technologies such as phones. The balance between educating pupils to take a responsible approach and the use of regulation and technical solutions must be judged carefully. The Headteacher will ensure that the E-safety & Acceptable Use Policy is implemented and compliance with the policy is monitored effectively.

Teaching and Learning

The Internet and digital communications are important because: [a] The Internet is an essential element in 21st century life for education, business & social interaction and the school has a duty to provide pupils with quality Internet access as part of their learning experience. [b] Internet use is a part of the statutory curriculum and a necessary tool for staff and pupils.

1. Internet use will enhance learning

· Internet access will be designed expressly for pupil use and include filtering appropriate to the age of pupils.

· Pupils are taught what Internet use is acceptable and what is not and given clear objectives for Internet use.

· Pupils are educated in effective use of the Internet in research, including the skills of knowledge location, retrieval and evaluation. Pupils are shown how to publish and present information to a wider audience.

2. Pupils are taught how to evaluate Internet content

·  School will ensure that the use of Internet derived materials by staff and pupils complies with copyright law.

·  Pupils are taught the importance of cross-checking information before accepting its accuracy.

·  Pupils are taught to report unpleasant Internet content eg. using CEOP Report Abuse icon or Hector Protector.

Managing Internet Access

·  At Key Stage 1, access to the Internet is by adult demonstration with occasional directly supervised access to specific, approved on-line materials. Classes will use a class ‘log on’ – consisting of a user name and password.

·  All Key Stage 2 children have an individual ‘log on’ – consisting of a unique user name and password. The children have supervised Internet use at all times.

·   School will keep a record of all staff and pupils who are granted Internet access. The record will be kept up-to-date, for instance, a member of staff may leave pupil’s access be withdrawn. (Access is only by a ‘Log on’ being created on the school curriculum network)

1. Information system security

·    School ICT systems security will be reviewed regularly.

·    Virus protection will be updated regularly.

·    Security strategies will be discussed with the Bournemouth Borough Council.

2. Internet

·       Schools should ensure that the use of Internet derived materials by staff & by pupils complies with copyright law

·       Pupils are taught to acknowledge the source of information used and to respect copyright when using Internet material in their own work.

3. E-mail

·       Pupils may only use approved e-mail accounts on the school system.

·      Pupils must immediately tell a teacher if they receive offensive e-mail.

·       In e-mail communication, pupils must not reveal personal details or those of others, or arrange to meet anyone without specific permission.

·       Incoming e-mail should be treated as suspicious and attachments not opened unless the author is known. 

·        The forwarding of chain letters is not permitted.

·        Whole-class e-mail addresses should be used at Key Stage 2 and below. 

·     E-mail sent to an external organisation should be written carefully and authorised before sending, in the same way as a letter written on school headed paper. 

·     Staff must only use Easy Mail Account and/or Bournemouth.gov.uk not own personal e-mail address, to contact children/outside agencies/other schools/staff/Educational Establishments; 

·     No social use should be made of Easy mail; 

·     Staff and pupils Easy mail accounts will be monitored regularly; 

4. Content and the school web site Including Publishing pupil’s images and work (Includes Blogging)

·         The point of contact on the Web site should be the school address, school e-mail and telephone number. Staff or pupils’ home information will not be published.

·         Website photographs including pupils are selected carefully to not allow individual pupils to be identified.

·         Pupils’ full names will not be used anywhere on the Web site, particularly in association with photographs.

·         Written permission from parents/carers is obtained before photographs of pupils are published Kinson Website

·         Headteacher or nominee takes overall editorial responsibility to ensure that content is accurate & appropriate.

·         The Website should comply with the school’s guidelines for publications.

·    The copyright of all materials must be held by the school, or be attributed to the owner where permission to reproduce has been obtained.

·    Parents are clearly informed of the school policy on image taking & publishing, both on school and independent electronic repositories

5. Social networking and personal publishing

·   The school will control access to social networking sites and consider how to educate pupils in their safe use.

·   Newsgroups are blocked unless a specific use is approved.

·   Pupils are advised never to give out personal details of any kind which identify them, their friends or locations.

·       Ideally pupils would use only moderated social networking sites, e.g. SuperClubs Plus

·         Staff, pupils & parents are advised that the use of social network spaces outside school may bring a range of dangers for primary aged pupils, their families and also for members of staff in school.

·         Staff using social networks such as FaceBook, My Space etc must not include text, pictures or photographs relating to the school, our pupils or members of staff.

·         No staff are authorised to use Microsoft messenger or chat rooms in school.

·         Pupils will be advised to use nicknames and avatars when using social networking sites.

·         Pupils will not be allowed access to public or unregulated chat rooms.

6. Managing filtering

The school will work with the Bournemouth Borough Council and South West Grid for Learning and Becta to ensure systems to protect pupils are reviewed and improved.

·   If staff or pupils come across unsuitable on-line materials, the site must be reported to the e-Safety Coordinator.

·          If staff or pupils discover unsuitable sites with inappropriate content (containing only adults) and URL (address) and content should be recorded. The ICT Co-ordinator should be informed immediately and given the details. They will inform the Head teacher and Bournemouth Information Management Team Leader (Robert Young) who will take appropriate action.

·   If staff or pupils discover unsuitable site with illegal content (containing adults and children) the computer should have the electricity disconnected while connected to the site, after the URL (address) and content have been recorded, and secured. The ICT Co-ordinator should be informed immediately and given the details. They will inform the Head teacher, police and Bournemouth Information Management Team Leader (Robert Young) who will take the appropriate action.

·    Senior staff will ensure that regular checks are made to ensure that the filtering methods selected are appropriate, effective and reasonable.

7. Managing videoconferencing & webcam use

·   Videoconferencing should use the educational broadband network to ensure quality of service and security.

·   Pupils must ask permission from the supervising teacher before making or answering a videoconference call.

·   Videoconferencing and webcam use will be appropriately supervised for the pupils’ age.

8.  Managing emerging technologies

·   Emerging technologies will be examined for educational benefit and a risk assessment will be carried out before use in school is allowed.

·   The senior leadership team should note that technologies such as mobile phones with wireless Internet access can bypass school filtering systems and present a new route to undesirable material and communications.

·   Mobile phones will not be used during lessons or formal school time. The sending of abusive or inappropriate text messages or files by Bluetooth or any other means is forbidden.

·   The use by pupils of cameras in mobile phones will be kept under review.

·   Games machines including the Sony Playstation, Microsoft Xbox and others have Internet access which may not include filtering. Care is required in any use in school or other officially sanctioned location.

·No online gaming Web Site to be used by Staff or Pupils

·   Staff will be issued with a school phone where contact with pupils is required or where mobile phones are used to capture photographs of pupils. 

·   Use of Fronter (Virtual Learning Environment) and Integris G2 by pupils and/or staff (possibly parents in the future) to be included within the parent/pupil/staff Acceptable Use Agreement.

9. Protecting personal data

·   Personal data is recorded, processed, transferred & made available according to the Data Protection Act 1998.

 Policy Decisions

1. Authorising Internet access

·   All staff must read and sign the ‘Staff Code of Conduct for ICT’ before using any school ICT resource. (See Appendix V)

·   The school will maintain a current record of all staff and pupils who are granted access to school ICT systems.

·   At Key Stage 1, access to the Internet will be by adult demonstration with directly supervised access to specific, approved on-line materials.

·   Parents will be asked to sign and return a consent form.

·   Any person not directly employed by the school will be asked to sign an ‘acceptable use of school ICT resources’ before being allowed to access the internet from the school site.

2. Assessing risks

·   The school will take all reasonable precautions to prevent access to inappropriate material. However, due to the international scale and linked nature of Internet content, it is not possible to guarantee that unsuitable material will never appear on a computer connected to the school network. Neither the school nor BBC can accept liability for any material accessed, or any consequences of Internet access.

·   The school should audit ICT use to establish if the e-safety policy is adequate and that the implementation of the e-safety policy is appropriate and effective.

·   The use of computer systems without permission or for inappropriate purposes could constitute a criminal offence under the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

·   Methods to identify, assess and minimise risks will be reviewed regularly.

3. Handling e-safety complaints

·  Complaints of Internet misuse will be dealt with by a senior member of staff.

·   Any complaint about staff misuse must be referred to the Head teacher.

·   Complaints of a child protection nature must be dealt with in accordance with school child protection procedures. (The South West Grid for Learning Trust ‘Safety and Security’ has a flowchart of responses to an incident of concern Page.11 The Internet Safety Protocol)

·  Pupils and parents will be informed of the complaints procedure (see schools complaints policy)

·   Pupils and parents will be informed of consequences for pupils misusing the Internet.

·   Discussions will be held with the Police Youth Crime Reduction Officer to establish procedures for handling potentially illegal issues.

4. Community use of the Internet

·   The school will liaise with local organisations to establish a common approach to e-safety.

 Communications Policy

1. Introducing the e-safety policy to pupils

·  e-Safety rules will be posted in all rooms where computers are used and discussed with pupils regularly. (Appendix II)

·  Pupils will be informed that network and Internet use will be monitored and appropriately followed up.

·   Instruction in responsible and safe use should precede Internet access.

·   A programme of training in e-Safety, based on the materials from CEOP, is implemented, with particular units in Year 2, 3 and 5

·  Internet Safety Issues highlighted yearly within assemblies and with letters/surveys to parents around Internet Safety Day ( February )

·   Year 6 Children will receive ‘Thinkuknow’ Training from CEOP (Child Exploitation & Online Protection centre)

·   e-Safety training is embedded within the ICT scheme of work and the Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) curriculum. .

2. Staff and the e-Safety policy

·   All staff including teachers, supply staff, classroom assistants and support staff are provided with the School Internet Policy and its importance explained.

·   Staff must be informed that network and Internet traffic can be monitored and traced to the individual user.

·   Staff that manage filtering systems or monitor ICT use are supervised by senior leadership and work to clear procedures for reporting issues.

·   Staff always use a child friendly safe search engine when accessing the web with pupils.

·  Staff will not use MSN Messenger or any other chat rooms or Online gaming sites

3.  Enlisting parents’ and carers’ support

·   Parents and carers attention will be drawn to the School e-Safety Policy in newsletters, the school brochure and on the school Website.

·   The school maintains a list of e-safety resources and practical ideas for parents/carers on the school web site for the safe use of the Internet at home.

·   Interested parents will be referred to organisations such as PIN, Parents Online and NCH Action for Children (URLs in reference section), Thinkuknow.co.uk.

·   Foundation Stage parents are given a CD-Rom entitled ‘Know It All’ (Childnet International)

·   Parents are informed that pupils will be provided with supervised Internet access (letter for schools is included as an appendix). Parents will be asked to sign that they agree.

4. Regulation

The use of a finite and expensive resource, which brings with it the possibility of misuse, requires regulation. In some cases, access within schools must simply be denied, for instance unmoderated chat rooms present immediate dangers and are banned. Fair rules, clarified by discussion and prominently displayed at the point of access will help pupils make responsible decisions.

• The school works in partnership with parents, the LA, DfES and the Internet Service Provider (South West Grid for Learning) to ensure systems to protect pupils are reviewed and improved.
• If staff or pupils discover unsuitable sites with inappropriate (containing adults) content the URL (address) and content must be reported to the Internet Service Provider via the ICT co-ordinator. (Head teacher must be informed immediately).
• If staff or pupils discover unsuitable sites with illegal (containing adults and children) content the URL (address) and content must be reported to the Internet Service Provider via the ICT co-ordinator. (Head teacher must be informed immediately). The computer concerned should be left connected to the site and the electricity disconnected (the police have requested this to help investigation work). The base unit then needs to be secured for police collection, if necessary. (See Internet Safety Protocol flow chart within Safety and Security SWGfL Appendix 1).
• Staff should be aware that Internet traffic and inappropriate use of Internet facilities will be monitored (by SWGfL, ICT co-ordinator and the Senior Management Team) and traced to the individual user. Discretion and professional conduct is essential. (see SWGfL Internet Acceptable Usage Policy within Safety and Security, Appendix 1).
• The monitoring of Internet use is a sensitive matter. Staff who operate monitoring procedures should be supervised by senior leadershipt.
• The school ICT systems will be reviewed regularly with regard to security.
• Unapproved system utilities & executable files are not allowed in pupils’ work areas or attached to e-mail.
• Files held on the school’s network will be regularly checked.
• Responsibility for handling incidents will be delegated to a senior member of staff.
• Any complaint about staff misuse must be referred to the Head teacher.
• No personal data concerning children to be removed from school on USB pen drives/floppy discs

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually in line with the school’s policy review programme. It was redrafted and agreed by the staff on _______________________. The subject leader is responsible for reporting to the governors’ pupil and curriculum committee about the quality of its implementation and its impact on standards. In light of this policy amendments may be made. This happened on __________________.

A Newman

December 2008

Appendices

Safety and Security SWGfL March 2008(I)

Acceptable Usage Posters Key Stage 1 & 2 (II)

Internet Usage school (III)

Parent/Pupil Consent letter for School Booklet (1V)

Staff Information Systems Code of Conduct (V)

Appendix (11) Internet Safety Posters

Key Stage 2

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Foundation & Key Stage 1

Appendix 111: Internet use - Possible teaching and learning activities

Appendix 2: Useful resources for teachers

BBC Stay Safe

www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/help/safesurfing

Becta

http://schools.becta.org.uk/index.php?section=is

Chat Danger

www.chatdanger.com/

Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre

www.ceop.gov.uk/

Childnet

www.childnet-int.org/

Cyber Café

http://thinkuknow.co.uk/8_10/cybercafe/cafe

Digizen

www.digizen.org/

Kent e-Safety Policy and Guidance, Posters etc

www.clusterweb.org.uk/kcn/e-safety_home.cfm

Kidsmart

www.kidsmart.org.uk/

Kent Police – e-Safety

www.kent.police.uk/Advice/Internet

Think U Know

www.thinkuknow.co.uk/

Safer Children in the Digital World

www.dfes.gov.uk/byronreview/

Appendix 3: Useful resources for parents

Care for the family

www.careforthefamily.org.uk/pdf/supportnet/InternetSafety.pdf

Childnet International "Know It All" CD

http://publications.teachernet.gov.uk

Family Online Safe Institute

www.fosi.org

Internet Watch Foundation

www.iwf.org.uk

Kent leaflet for parents: Children, ICT & e-Safety

www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/ict/safety.htm

Parents Centre

www.parentscentre.gov.uk

Internet Safety Zone

www.internetsafetyzone.com

Notes on the legal framework

This page must not be taken as advice on legal issues, but we feel that schools should be alerted to so of the legislation that may be relevant.

The Computer Misuse Act 1990 makes it a criminal offence to gain access to a computer without permission. The motivation could be the technical challenge, data theft or to damage the system or data. The Rules for Responsible Internet Use remind users of the ownership of the school computer system.

Monitoring of data on a school network could contravene Article 8 of the European Contravention of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, e.g. the right to respect for private and family life, which is protected by the Human Rights Act 1998. The Telecommunications (Lawful Practice) (Interception of Communications) Regulations 2000 also limit monitoring. The 2000 Regulations apply to all forms of electronic monitoring and interception irrespective of whether the material monitored is generated by private use or in the course of the school’s day to day activities.

A school may only monitor authorised private use of a computer system if it can justify monitoring on the basis that is lawful, necessary and in the interests of amongst other things, the protection of health or morals or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others. Schools should ensure that the monitoring id not out of proportion to the harm that could be done if the monitoring did not take place. Schools should start by banning private use of a school’s computer system, but then allow private use following application to the Headteacher. The Rules for Responsible Internet Use, which every user must agree to, contain a paragraph that should ensure users are aware that the school is monitoring Internet use.

In order to defend claims that it has breached either the 2000 Regulations or the Human Rights Act 1998, a school should devise procedures for monitoring, ensure monitoring is supervised by a senior manager and maintain a log of that monitoring. The following legislation is also relevant:

Data Protection Act 1984/98 concerns date on individual people held on computer files and its use and protection.

Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988 makes it an offence to use unlicensed software.

The Telecommunications Act 1984 section 43 makes it an offence to send offensive or indecent materials over the public telecommunications system.

Protection of Children Act 1978

Obscene Publications Act 1959 and 1964 defines ‘obscene’ and related offences.

Appendix (1V)

Responsible Internet Use at Kinson Primary School

All pupils use computer facilities at Kinson Primary School including Internet access as an essential part of learning, as required by the National Curriculum. Both pupils and their parents/carers are asked to sign to show the e-Safety Rules have been understood and agreed. 

Although there are concerns about pupils having access to undesirable materials, we have taken positive steps to reduce this risk in school.  Our school Internet provider operates a filtering system that restricts access to inappropriate materials.  This may not be the case at home and we can provide references to information on safe Internet access if you wish.  Please visit the ICT Information page on the School’s Web Site www.kinsonprimaryschool.ik.org . We also have leaflets from national bodies that explain the issues further.

Whilst every endeavour is made to ensure that suitable restrictions are placed on the ability of children to access inappropriate materials, the School cannot be held responsible for the nature or content of materials accessed through the Internet.  The School will not be liable for any damages arising from your child’s use of the Internet facilities.

Should you wish to discuss any aspect of Internet use (or to see a lesson in operation) please telephone me to arrange an appointment.

Pupil Agreement

Rules for Responsible Internet Use

These rules help us to be fair to others and keep everyone safe.

·       I will ask permission before using the Internet. 

·       I will use only my own network login and password, which is secret.

·       I will only use my Fronter login and password, which is secret.

·       I will only look at or delete my own files.

·       I understand that I must not bring software or disks into school without permission.

·       I will only e-mail and send stickies (Fronter email ) to people I know, or my teacher has approved.

·       The messages I send will be polite and sensible.

·       I understand that I must never give my home address or phone number, or arrange to meet someone.

·       I will ask for permission before opening an e-mail or an e-mail attachment sent by someone I do not know.

·       I will not use Internet chat.

·       I see anything I am unhappy with or I receive messages I do not like, I will tell a teacher immediately.

·       I understand that the school may check my computer files and the Internet sites I visit.

·       I understand that if I deliberately break these rules, I may not be allowed to use the Internet or computers.

The school may exercise its right to monitor the use of the school’s computer systems, including access to web-sites, the interception of e-mail and the deletion of inappropriate materials where it believes unauthorised use of the school’s computer system is or may be taking place, or the system is or may be being used for criminal purposes or for storing unauthorised or unlawful text, imagery or sound.

Appendix (V)

Staff Code of Conduct for ICT

To ensure that members of staff are fully aware of their professional responsibilities when using information systems and when communicating with pupils, they are asked to sign this code of conduct. Members of staff should consult the school’s e-safety policy for further information and clarification.

 I understand that it is a criminal offence to use a school ICT system for a purpose not permitted by its owner.

 I appreciate that ICT includes a wide range of systems, including mobile phones, PDAs, digital cameras, email, social networking and that ICT use may also include personal ICT devices when used for school business.

 I understand that school information systems may not be used for private purposes without specific permission from the headteacher.

 I understand that my use of school information systems, Internet and email may be monitored and recorded to ensure policy compliance.

 I will respect system security and I will not disclose any password or security information to anyone other than an authorised system manager.

 I will not install any software or hardware without permission.

 I will ensure that personal data is stored securely and is used appropriately, whether in school, taken off the school premises or accessed remotely.

 I will respect copyright and intellectual property rights.

 I will report any incidents of concern regarding children’s safety to the e-Safety Coordinator, the Designated Child Protection Coordinator or Headteacher.

 I will ensure that electronic communications with pupils including email, IM and social networking are compatible with my professional role and that messages cannot be misunderstood or misinterpreted.

 I will promote e-safety with students in my care and will help them to develop a responsible attitude to system use, communications and publishing.

The school may exercise its right to monitor the use of the school’s information systems and Internet access, to intercept e-mail and to delete inappropriate materials where it believes unauthorised use of the school’s information system may be taking place, or the system may be being used for criminal purposes or for storing unauthorised or unlawful text, imagery or sound.

I have read, understood and accept the Staff Code of Conduct for ICT.

Name: ………………………………….…………

Signed: ….……………………..…………..…      Dated: ……………..…

Accepted for school by: …………………………………………….

Designation: ….……………………..…………..…     Dated: ……………..…