At Thorneyholme we take the issue of Internet Safety very seriously and on these pages you will find information that will support you as parents/guardians.

The internet is a fantastic resource, but it can also bring risks. We work with our pupils in school to help them understand the dangers and learn how to keep themselves safe.

In February of every year, the school celebrates safer internet day with the school community.

This year has seen a rise in virtual communication environments like Zoom, Skype and Microsoft Teams.  It is very important for children to understand the importance of following certain rules when using these, and it is recommended that an adult is present during all communications.

Top Tips for Safer Surfing!

1. Remind your child that the internet is not a private space. Any information that your child puts online can be shared with anyone and may be used in a harmful way.
2. Keep communication open! Let your child know that it’s never too late to tell if something or someone is making them uncomfortable.
3. Teach your child to only open emails from people they know. Files may contain inappropriate images, content or viruses.
4. Keep your computer somewhere in the house where it is easy for you to monitor what they are viewing.
5. Use internet filtering software and your browser’s control to offer the degree of security needed to protect your child.

For guidance on how to set up parental controls click the following link or go to internet matters using the link at the bottom of this page: 

Search Engines for Primary Education

Below is a list of recommended search engines. At Thorneyholme, we encourage pupils to use 'safe search' engines both inside and outside school. No search engine is ever 100% safe but 'safe' search engines can provide a way to reduce the risk for children when searching for information, images and other medias.

Swiggle – a child friendly search engine from SWGfL. Features a report button and a screen cover featuring “SwiggleBot” - should anything inappropriate be found. “Swiggle uses the very latest search technologies to make your searches more useful. It not only gives you safer access to online content but encourages responsible behaviour too.” 

Safe Search Kids – Google sponsored safe searching, including links and tips for online safety.

Wiki for Kids – “A filtered Wikipedia resource that provides articles in Simple English. It is like Wikipedia’s Simple Edition with the added benefit that (the) site filters out content that is not appropriate for children”. Also includes useful Online Research Tips for Kids. 

Primary Technologies – Safe search page for websites and images (Powered by Google Custom Search™; Naace accredited Bradford based Primary Technologies).

KidRex – A safe search engine powered by Google Custom Search™ and using Google SafeSearch™ technology.

Dib Dab Doo and Dilly Too – ad free safe search engine for kids.  Features subject categories.

Pics4Learning – According to their website, Pics4Learning is a safe, free image library for education with copyright-friendly images for classrooms, multimedia projects, websites, videos, portfolios, or educational projects.

DKfindout! – allows younger children to search, learn, and explore information on a safe and secure site with DK’s clear, reliable, and highly visual content. 

Kiddle – Kiddle is another safe search engine created by Google – highly visual to make it easier for young children to navigate the search results. Includes image and video search. 

Teaching and Learning

1. The Importance of the Internet and Digital Communications

The internet is an important part of the 21st century life for education, business and social interaction. The school has a duty to provide pupils with quality internet access as part of their education. Internet use is part of the curriculum and a necessary tool for staff and pupils.

2. Internet use Enhances Learning

The school internet access is designed expressly for pupil use and includes filtering (at the server) appropriate to the age of the pupils. This filtering covers all computers, IPads and mobile devices accessible by pupils and staff. Pupils are taught what internet use is and not acceptable and are given clear objectives for internet use. Pupils are educated in effective use of the internet for research, including skills of knowledge location, retrieval and evaluation.

3. Evaluating Internet Content

The use of internet derived materials by staff and pupils must comply with copyright laws. Pupils are taught the importance of cross checking information before accepting it’s accuracy.

Managing Internet Access

4. Information System Security

School ICT systems security and security strategies are reviewed and discussed regularly with an ICT technician from Bowland IT Services. Virus protection is automatically updated using Sophos. If staff or pupils come across unsuitable online materials, the site must be reported to the Online Coordinator. If memory sticks are used, the sticks will be scanned to check for viruses before any files from the stick are opened.

5. The School Website

The headteacher will take overall editorial responsibility and ensure that the content is appropriate. Any contact details given online will be for the school office. Staff and pupil personal contact information will not be published. Photographs of pupils will not be published with their names on the school website.

6. Social Networking

Pupils or staff will not have access to social networking sites through the school system. At Key Stage 1 & 2 pupils will be educated as to how to keep themselves safe if they use such sites outside of school. They are taught never give out personal details of any kind which may identify them, their friends or their location. At Key Stage 1/Foundation Stage there is a Facebook page for their class, designed to inform parents of activities that the children have done during the week. This Facebook page is a closed group, where only parents of the children in the class have access. When a child moves into the Juniors or leaves the school they are deleted out of the group. The parents sign an agreement at the beginning of each school year agreeing with the terms not to share any photos from the group.

7. Mobile Phones/IPads

Pupils are not permitted to bring mobile phones or IPads into school, unless by prior arrangement with the Headteacher. If a phone or device is found to be on the premises it will be kept in the Headteachers Office until the end of the school day when it will be returned to the parent/guardian involved.

8. Protecting Personal Data

Personal data will be recorded, processed, transferred and made available according to the Data Protection Act 1998.

9. Thorneyholme Online Safety Policy

Please click on the link below to take you to a copy of our Online Safety Policy

Useful Resources for Parents and Teachers

More Useful Resources for Parents