We have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare our pupils including their use of digital and mobile technologies, including the internet and to equip our young people with the skills to manage the very real risks associated with living in a digital age.
The internet, mobile phones, social networking and other interactive services have transformed the way in which we live. Young people are amongst the early adopters of the new technologies and move effortlessly between the interactive services and devices to communicate, interact, create and share content with friends and family.
At Ethos College Online Safety is a focus for staff and pupils at all times. All pupils receive a diverse curriculum to develop their knowledge and understanding of online safety during curriculum time 1:1 personalised intervention sessions and through topical discussions.
All pupils take part in targeted work to raise awareness of the risks associated with their online behaviour. Regular interventions are in place to target sensitive areas of e-safety and to increase understanding of topics that are relevant to young people.
E-safety is taught through the subject of ICT and has a core focus on areas such as hacking, phishing and study the programming elements behinds this – with some focus around identity theft and how this ties in with Online safety.
Online Safety lessons at Ethos College combine resources from a range of expert sources including NSPCC, ThinkuKnow, Childnet International & ChildLine.
All staff receive regular, ongoing CPD training from our CEOP ambassador and Designated Safeguarding Lead to ensure they are able to support pupils learning with up to date knowledge and so they know procedure to follow should they have any concerns around online safety.
Parent/carer information sessions are also held to develop knowledge around online safety with a particular emphasis on how parents can help to keep their child safe online when at home or in their local community. Newsletters and information leaflets are also distributed to parents/carers to keep them up to date with current online safety news.
Ethos College have achieved the 360 online safety award.
