If we have learnt anything from the events of 2020, it is that schools and educators should always be prepared for the unexpected.
Of course, such preparation is rarely a simple task. When it seems that the DfE’s online safeguarding requirements can change on a monthly basis, it can be a struggle to figure out what the latest guidance is, let alone figuring out how to implement it.
As the leading specialists in online safeguarding, we know a thing or two about keeping students safe in the digital world. If your school is struggling to stay on top of the ever-changing guidelines around Online Safety and KCSiE, take a look at our three simple steps to success.
1. Train your Designated Safeguarding Lead (or DSL) in all things Online Safety
With the impending Autumn term looming, we know that teachers and senior staff may struggle to find the time to keep updated on digital safety risks.
It’s a statutory requirement for DSLs to keep their safeguarding knowledge up to date; they are the key to staying in the know. By ensuring that your resident DSL has their finger on the pulse with regular training, they can help keep the entire school community informed with online safety briefings.
By becoming a National Online Safety member school, your DSL will receive everything they need to attain an Advanced Certificate in Online Safety, as well as regular emails updating them on the very latest statutory requirements.
2. Stay on the ball. All the time.
At NOS, we’ve got digital safety on the brain. When news arrives that a new app, device or software is to be launched, we know that a tidal wave of new potential safety risks can’t be far behind. As educators in an increasingly digitised environment, it is vital that senior staff exercise the same caution.
It’s one thing to be aware of new tech, but assessing every technological development for risks can seem like a mammoth task. Armed with a formidable group of safety experts, we’ve made it our duty to scrutinise, assess and summarise each and every product that might affect the lives of children, so you don’t have to.
By logging into our extensive Online Risk Centre, member schools can search and access information about the latest risks in a matter of clicks.
3. Don’t limit training to senior staff members
A vital part of the DfE KCSiE 2020 guidance is ‘taking a whole school community approach to online safety’. This includes senior staff, teachers, students, and parents: but, with such a broad and varied audience, how can schools tailor training to suit everyone’s needs?
It’s surprisingly easy. For member schools, our Online Risk Hub becomes a one-stop-shop for teaching resources of all kinds. Need a lesson plan for a specific age group? A 5-minute explainer video for a parent without much time? Or even a certified online safety course for your next inset day? We’ve got the goods – all you need to do is register as a member, and your entire school community is granted access to the world’s most comprehensive online risk centre.
