Online Safety
At Little Waltham, our vision is that every child feels safe, valued and able to flourish as part of a caring Christian community. Our school values of Compassion, Courage, Forgiveness and Perseverance guide everything we do — including how we keep our children safe in the online world.
Our Commitment to Online Safety
Online safety is an important part of keeping children safe at our school. We have security measures and safe working practices in place, which are monitored both internally and externally, to help safeguard pupils from potential dangers or unsuitable material.
As a community we work together to recognise and guard against bullying, intimidation, discrimination and exploitation of vulnerable users.
Our aim is to ensure that the same standards of safe and acceptable behaviour that apply in our classrooms and playgrounds are also applied online.
Teaching Children to Stay Safe
In school, children are taught how to stay safe and use digital technologies responsibly. Lessons are woven into our curriculum through Computing, PSHE and worship, and are grounded in our school values:
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Compassion – understanding how our words and actions online affect others.
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Courage – having the confidence to speak up if something feels wrong or unsafe.
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Forgiveness – learning how to resolve online conflicts in a positive way.
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Perseverance – making good choices and not giving up when faced with challenges online.
Children are encouraged to talk openly about what they see and do online, and to know who to go to if they feel worried.
Working Together: School, Parents and Pupils
We can only be successful in keeping children safe online if staff and parents work together. It is vital that the online safety message is consistent at home and at school.
Parents and carers can support by:
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Talking to children regularly about what they are doing online.
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Teaching them how to behave appropriately and respectfully online.
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Setting rules and boundaries around screen time and device use.
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Modelling good habits in their own use of technology.
We believe that open communication is key. Children should feel reassured that they can talk to adults without fear of blame if they encounter something worrying.
If You Need Support
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school. We are always happy to help or to signpost you to further advice and support.
You can also find practical guidance and resources below.
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Internet Matters – Step-by-step guides on setting parental controls, advice on screen time, and age-appropriate tips.
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ThinkUKnow (CEOP) – Government website with resources to help keep children safe online, including what to do if you are worried about a child.
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Parent Zone – Information, support and digital parenting resources.
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National Online Safety – Free downloadable guides for parents about apps, games and online trends.
🎮 Gaming Safety
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PEGI Ratings – Find out the age ratings for video games.
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LGfL Gaming Hub – Practical advice, videos and activities about online gaming.
📷 Social Media & Apps
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Common Sense Media – Reviews of apps, films, games and social media platforms to help parents decide what’s appropriate.
🔒 Parental Controls
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ParentSafe (LGfL) – Easy guides for setting up devices safely.
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Internet Matters – Parental Controls – Step-by-step guides for phones, tablets, broadband, and consoles.
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Apps such as Google Family Link, Apple Screen Time, and Microsoft Family Safety can also help parents set limits and monitor use.