Online Safety

At St. Patrick's Catholic Primary School, our aim is to provide children with the knowledge, skills and confidence to use technology safely, responsibly and effectively. Online safety is an integral part of school life and is taught through our Computing and Relationships, Health and Sex Education (RHSE) curricula, as well as through everyday learning opportunities.

We celebrate Safer Internet Day each February, helping children to develop a greater understanding of how to stay safe online. Throughout the year, pupils receive regular reminders and guidance about safe internet use, responsible online behaviour and how to recognise and report concerns.

Our Commitment to Online Safety

At St. Patrick's, we take online safety extremely seriously. Our approach includes:

• Weekly online safety lessons using Project Evolve
• Dedicated online safety teaching through the Computing and RHSE curriculum
• Regular online safety features in the school newsletter
• Parent and carer workshops and information sessions
• Ongoing reminders and discussions about safe online behaviour

We recognise that technology is constantly evolving and that parents and carers may sometimes need support. If you are experiencing any difficulties related to your child's online activities, advice and support are always available through the school.

Need Support?

If you have concerns about your child's online safety or would like advice, please contact the school office.

Telephone: 01952 386160
Email: admin.stpatricks@blessedec.co.uk

Further information can be found in our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and E-Safety Policy.

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CEOP Reporting

If you or someone you know is worried about child exploitation, online protection, or any aspect of internet safety, please use the CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) reporting service via the link below.

CEOP

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Project Evolve

At St. Patrick's, we use Project Evolve, a comprehensive online safety programme that supports children in developing the skills and understanding needed to navigate the digital world safely.

Why We Use Project Evolve

Aligned to National Guidance

Project Evolve is based on the UK Council for Internet Safety's "Education for a Connected World" framework, ensuring that learning reflects national expectations for online safety education.

Comprehensive Coverage

The programme covers eight key areas of online safety:

• Self-image and identity
• Online relationships
• Online reputation
• Online bullying
• Managing online information
• Health, wellbeing and lifestyle
• Privacy and security
• Copyright and ownership

Age-Appropriate Learning

Resources are carefully tailored to each age group, from the Early Years through to older pupils, ensuring learning is relevant and appropriate.

Engaging and Thought-Provoking Activities

Lessons encourage discussion, reflection and critical thinking, helping children develop a deeper understanding of online safety rather than simply learning rules.

Flexible and Responsive

Teachers can adapt learning to address specific concerns or emerging issues identified by children, parents, carers or staff.

Access for Parents and Carers

Parents and carers can access the online safety objectives relevant to their child's age group using the links below. This allows families to support and reinforce important online safety messages at home.

By working together, we can help ensure that all children develop the knowledge, confidence and resilience needed to stay safe and thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Helpful links to look at with your family.

• Childnet Offers a toolkit to support parents of children of any age to start discussions about their online life and find out where to get help and support.

• CEOP Think You Know Support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online

• The Safer Internet Centre - Advice for Parents and Carers Tips, advice, guides and resources to help keep your children safe online

• Internet Matters Provide age-specific online safety checklist, guides on parental controls, and a host of practical tips

• Common Sense Media movie and game reviews Provides independent reviews, age ratings and other information about all types of media for children and their parents.

• Let's Talk About It Advice for parents and carers to keep children safe from online radicalisation

• Net-aware Provides help for parents and carers on how to keep their children safe online

• Parentzone Provide help for parents and carers on how to keep their children safe online