At Wicklea, the health and safety of all children is of paramount importance. Parents send their children to school each day with the expectation that school provides a secure environment in which their children can flourish. We therefore have to ensure that this expectation becomes reality. In order to do this a wide range safeguarding policies are in place and reviewed regularly. If there are any concerns about pupils’ welfare this will be discussed with parents and/or carers. Where there are child protection concerns, the Headteacher will inform parents/carers prior to making a referral to social care. In exceptional circumstances, where it is felt children will be placed at increased risk by informing parents/carers about a referral to social care, the Headteacher will make a referral without their knowledge. We want to work with all stakeholders to keep Wicklea pupils safe from harm and where appropriate to access services to support families.
The Governors and staff have developed the site security and safety. There are security cameras, alarm systems and direct links to emergency services. All adults working alone with children have been passed by the Disclosure and Barring Service. On entering the building visitors agree to our safeguarding systems and wear a visitor’s badge. If you notice anything which could compromise the safety of Wicklea pupils please contact the academy immediately.
The internet is a mind-boggling web of computers that spans the world. Good and bad and everything in between is available. Children are natives of this digital world and more often than not are teaching us how to navigate it. Even so, there are things we can do to help protect their online experience and I thought it’d be useful to note a a few tips that I hope will help you to secure your computers against attack.
The most contemporary operating system for the PC from Microsoft is Windows 10. Windows 7 and 10 both come with built in software to help protect against virus infections and other Malware. It’s a good idea to buy third-party software and keep this updated, there are too many to mention in this document but your local PC shop will be able to help. Also, if Windows itself is not updated through Microsoft update, then it could cause big problems. Software patches from the update centre are very important in keeping your system safe and sound.
Monitoring and Internet filtering can also be useful. Products like Net Nanny and Cyber Patrol offer greater control and protection than the native Windows offerings in my opinion and are well worth checking out.
Apple’s operating software is generally thought of as more secure than Windows. Our view is that if it’s online, it’s vulnerable. Apple machines can still be attacked like any other computer. More and more attacks happen via the applications themselves: Skype, MSN, Facebook, PSN. One useful application for mobile Apple devices is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobicip which can help protect your children from inappropriate content.
If your child is using a machine that is connected to the internet, then it’s a good idea if monitoring software is installed on the computer, particularly if the computer is out of view. Internet-based criminals are using more and more sophisticated methods to engage children and as parents we should know who they are talking to online.
One reliable way to filter all traffic in your household is to use Open DNS services. This involves editing the settings in your home internet router (BT Box, Virgin Box etc) and will enable you to prevent unwanted sites and services on any device connected in your home. It’s moderately easy to set up – all details can be found here:
OpenDNS – Home internet security
Parent’s guide to blogging safety
We all enjoy using the internet, it can be fun and it allows us to find out lots of information BUT there are some rules to follow to keep ourselves and each other safe. Please look at the information here for advice and always ask someone at home or a teacher or TA if you have any questions. Every year, you will receive e-safety lessons in PSHE and there will be e-safety assemblies on a regular basis.
Remember to use WHISPER to make an alert about anything which is worrying you about the internet or gaming.
Remember, everything on the list below uses the internet.
As part of our ongoing e-safety we have recently added a new facility, called Whisper. This allows children, parents and careers to report and inform us of any e-safety concerns they may have. Whisper consists of a website button/link that launches an online dialogue-box. That information is then sent to an allocated email address in school, and the issues can be looked at and dealt with accordingly.
