Online Safety

Our Approach

At Hackbridge Primary School and Spencer Nursery School, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do.  The includes ensuring that children are safe, confident and responsible when using technology. 

We recognise that the online world is an integral part of children's lives.  Our role is not only to protect pupils from harm, but also to educate and empower them to navigate the digital world safely, both in school and beyond. 

Our approach to online safety is built on three key principles:

• Education - teaching children how to stay safe and make positive choices online.
• Protection - using effective filtering and monitoring systems.
• Partnership - working closely with parents and carers.

Filtering and Monitoring

In line with the Department for Education's statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025, we ensure that appropriate filtering and monitoring systems are in place to safeguard pupils.

Filtering

We use LGfL SchoolProtect, an accredited filtering system designed specifically for schools.  This system:

• blocks access to illegal and harmful content, including extremism, self-harm, pornography and violence.
• is regularly reviewed to ensure it remains effective.
• is carefully configured to avoid "over-blocking", ensuring pupils can still access appropriate educational resources.

Our filtering provider meets nationally defined standards for appropriate filtering and is independently assessed.

• Filtering Provider Response (LGfL)
• Filtering and Monitoring Information for Parents

Monitoring

In addition to filtering, we use monitoring systems, including LGfL Senso Monitoring and Classroom Cloud to help safeguard pupils when using technology.

Our monitoring software actively scans for indicators of risk and concern, including the use of specific language or online behaviours.  Alerts are categorised by level of concern and shared with safeguarding staff, enabling timely and appropriate responses. In more serious cases, this may include screen capture or recording to support safeguarding investigations. 

These systems allow us to identify and support pupils who may be vulnerable or in need of additional help. 

Our monitoring systems:

• monitor activity across school devices and platforms.
• alerts safeguarding staff to potential concerns.
• enables early identification or pupils who may need support. 

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and leadership team regularly review monitoring alerts and respond in line with our safeguarding procedures.

Use of AI and Emerging Technologies

We recognise that newer technologies, including generative AI, present both opportunities and risks. 

To keep children safe:

• pupils do not have open access to generative AI tools.
• only approved platforms are used in school.
• staff carefully supervise and monitor use.
• staff do not enter pupil data into AI systems.

Education and Curriculum

Online safety is embedded across our curriculum and wider school life.

Children are taught:

• how to staf safe online.
• how to manage risks and recognise unsafe situations.
• how to communicate respectfully and responsibly.
• what to do if something worries or upsets them.

This learning takes place through:

• PSHE lessons.
• computing curriculum.
• assemblies and themed focus weeks.
• daily classroom practice and discussions.

We use consistent, age-appropriate language to ensure children understand how to keep themselves safe and seek help when needed. 

Working in Partnership with Parents

We recognise that keeping children safe online is a shared responsibility between school and home. 

We are committed to working in partnership with parents and carers by providing regular, practical guidance to support safe and positive online experiences for children.

We support parents and carers by:

• sharing regular online safety updates and guidance.
• providing practical advise to support safe use of technology at home.
• signposting to trusted external resources. 

We also encourage parents to:

• talk regularly with their children about their online experiences.
• set clear expectations and boundaries for device use.
• use parental controls where appropriate.
• contact the school if they have any concerns.

Each month, we share bite-sized online safety information with parents and carers, focusing on a different theme to help support conversations at home. 

These resources are designed to:

• support conversations at home.
• build confidence in managing technology.
• provide practical strategies for families.

Current Focus: Talking to Your Child About Life Online

One of the most effective ways to keep children safe online is through regular, open conversations about what they do, see and enjoy online.  You don't need to be a technology expert - being interested, involved and approachable makes the biggest difference. 

Parent Resources:

• Talking to your child about their online life.
• Device Use and Ownership.
• The Digital Family Agreement supports families to:
  • set clear expectations around device use.
  • agree boundaries together.
  • promote respectful and safe online behaviour.
  • encourage open communication
• Secondary School Ready Pointers
• Further support can be found at: https://parentsafe.lgfl.net.

Acceptable Use Agreements

All members of our school community agree to use technology safely and responsibly.

Pupils:

• Acceptable Use Agreement - KS1
• Acceptable Use Agreement - KS2

These agreements support children in understanding how to stay safe, respectful and responsible online.

Parents and Carers:

• Acceptable Use Agreement - Parents and Carers

This outlines how families can support safe and positive use of technology at home and in school.

Governance and Strategic Oversight

Online safety is regularly reviewed at strategic level to ensure our provision remains effective and up to date.

Governors play an active role in:

• reviewing safeguarding and online safety practice.
• ensuring compliance with statutory guidance.
• providing appropriate challenge and support. 

UK Council for Internet Safety - Questions for Governors

This ensures that online safety is not only operational, but also embedded within the wider safeguarding culture of the school. 

Our Commitment

At Hackbridge and Spencer, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where children feel confident to explore, learn and grow - both online and offline.

We know that technology will continue to evolve, and we will continue to adapt our practice to ensure our pupils are well prepared for the digital world. 

If you have any concerns about online safety, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead via either school office.