At St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, we recognise that technology plays an important part in children's lives, both in and out of school. We want all our pupils to enjoy the opportunities that the digital world offers, while developing the knowledge, skills and confidence to make safe, responsible and positive choices online.

Our Online Safety Curriculum

We follow a two-year rolling Online Safety programme, ensuring that all children from EYFS to Year 6 receive regular, progressive and age-appropriate online safety education.

Our programme covers a wide range of important topics, including:

• Staying safe when using the internet, apps and online games.

• Protecting personal information, privacy and digital footprints.

• Recognising online risks, scams and misleading information.

• Developing positive and respectful online relationships.

• Understanding cyberbullying and knowing how to report concerns.

• Making responsible choices when sharing photographs, messages and information.

• Understanding artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.

• Developing healthy digital habits and maintaining a positive balance between screen time and other activities.

Lessons are delivered on the first Tuesday afternoon of each half term, with all year groups taking part in their Online Safety learning at the same time. This provides a consistent, whole-school approach and ensures that online safety remains a regular and important part of our curriculum.

We use a variety of high-quality, interactive resources from trusted organisations, including CEOP Education, Google Be Internet Legends, Childnet and the UK Safer Internet Centre. Lessons are carefully selected to suit the age and needs of each year group, with activities, discussions, videos, stories and practical tasks helping children to apply their learning to real-life situations.

website online safety overview 26 27.pdf

Working Together with Parents and Carers

We believe that keeping children safe online is a shared responsibility between school and home. As technology and online trends continue to change, we aim to support parents and carers in understanding the latest issues and knowing how best to support their children.

We regularly share #WakeUpWednesday updates across our school social media platforms. These weekly online safety guides, produced by National College, highlight current online trends, potential risks, popular apps and games, and practical advice to help parents keep their children safe online.

We encourage families to talk regularly about their children's online experiences, take an interest in the games and platforms they use and make sure children know they can always speak to a trusted adult if something online worries them.

Pupil Voice – Our Digital Leaders

Our Digital Leaders play an important role in promoting online safety across school. They help us understand children's experiences of technology, monitor emerging issues and provide valuable pupil voice, sharing the views, questions and concerns of their peers.

In February, our Digital Leaders will also be involved in activities to recognise Online Safety Month, helping to raise awareness, promote positive digital behaviour and encourage everyone in our school community to make safe and responsible choices online.

Further Support for Parents and Carers

There are lots of useful websites offering advice, guidance and practical support to help families navigate the digital world. We recommend the following:

• Internet Matters – Practical advice, age-specific guidance and step-by-step instructions for setting up parental controls.

• CEOP Education – Thinkuknow – Advice and activities to help parents talk to their children about online safety.

• UK Safer Internet Centre – Guides to devices, apps, social media, online gaming and parental controls.

• Childnet – Resources to help parents support children in developing safe and positive online behaviours.

• NSPCC Online Safety – Advice about online risks, social media, gaming and keeping children safe.

• National College – #WakeUpWednesday – Online safety guides and resources covering current digital trends and potential risks.

If you have any concerns about your child's online experiences, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of the school team.

Our aim is to ensure that every child has the confidence, knowledge and skills to navigate the online world safely, respectfully and responsibly – both now and in the future.

 #SJKOnlineSafety