Online Safety Education for the Whole School Community

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. All staff have a responsibility to provide a safe environment in which children can learn. This includes protecting children from online harm and abuse and risks such as CSE, online bullying or online sexual harassment. School staff should receive online safety training that is integrated, aligned and considered as part of the overarching safeguarding approach. (Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE) statutory guidance 2020)

Children with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities can face additional safeguarding challenges online. They often experience more online harms than their peers and can be vulnerable to online risks such as cyberbullying, online grooming and exploitation. SENDCOs play a central role in safeguarding pupils with SEND. They are a core element of ensuring relevant policies are adhered to, co-ordinating SEND provision and providing the necessary support that SEND and vulnerable learners need.

Designated Safeguarding Leads should take lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection, including online safety, in schools. They should undergo training to provide them with the knowledge and skills required to carry out the role, including the ability to understand the unique risks associated with online safety. They should be confident that they have the relevant knowledge and up to date capability required to keep children safe whilst they are online at school or college (Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE) statutory guidance 2020).