Online Safety Policy
Effective Date: January 23, 2026
The purpose of the online safety policy is to:
o Safeguard and protect all members the school/provision community online
o Identify approaches to educate and raise awareness of online safety throughout the
community
o Enable all staff to work safely and responsibly to role model positive behaviour online and to manage professional standards and practice when using technology
o Identify clear procedures to use when responding to online safety concerns.
• Super Scientists/ Esgate Education identifies that the issues classified within online safety are considerable, but can be broadly categorised into four areas of risk:
o Content: being exposed to illegal, inappropriate, or harmful material
o Contact: being subjected to harmful online interaction with other users
o Conduct: personal online behaviour that increases the likelihood of, or causes, harm
o Commerce: risks such as online gambling, inappropriate advertising, phishing and or
financial scams. We will report any concerns to the Anti-Phishing Working Group.
Policy Scope
• Online safety is an essential part of safeguarding and acknowledges its duty to ensure that all
learners and staff are protected from potential harm online.
• The internet and associated devices, such as computers, tablets, mobile phones, and games consoles, are an important part of everyday life.
• Learners should be empowered to build resilience and to develop strategies to manage and respond to risk online.
• This policy applies to all staff including Directors, leadership team, teachers, support staff, external contractors, visitors, volunteers, and other individuals who work for, or provide services on behalf of the setting (collectively referred to as “staff” in this policy), as well as learners, parents, and carers.
• This policy applies to all access to the internet and use of technology, including personal devices, or where learners, staff or other individuals have been provided with setting issued devices for use off-site, such as a work laptops, tablets or mobile phones.
Links with other policies and practices
This policy links with several other policies, practices and action plans including Anti-bullying Policy.
Monitoring and Review
• Technology in this area evolves and changes rapidly. This policy will be reviewed at least annually.
• The policy will also be revised following any national or local policy requirements, any child protection concerns or any changes to the technical infrastructure.
• We will regularly monitor internet use and evaluate online safety mechanisms to ensure that this policy is consistently applied.
• To ensure they have oversight of online safety, the Directors / Leadership Team will be informed of online safety concerns, as appropriate.
• The named Director for safeguarding will report on a regular basis to the DSL on online safety practice and incidents, including filtering and monitoring processes.
• Any issues identified via monitoring will be incorporated into our action planning.
Roles and Responsibilities
• The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Kerry Esagte-Green (Director, DSL and SENCo), has lead responsibility for online safety. Whilst activities of the other onsite DSL, (James Esgate-Green) may be delegated to an appropriately trained deputy, overall, the ultimate lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection, including online safety remains with the DSL’s and Directors.
• Super Scientists/ Esgate Education recognises that all members of the community have important roles and responsibilities to play with regards to online safety.
• All Directors will ensure online safety is a running and interrelated theme whilst devising and implementing our whole-school approach to safeguarding. Our safeguarding Director and DSL’s will monitor this.
Super Scientists/ Esgate Education will:
• Ensure that online safety is viewed as a safeguarding issue and that practice is in line with
national and local recommendations and requirements.
• Ensure there are appropriate and up-to-date policies regarding online safety, including a staff code of conduct/behaviour policy or acceptable use policy, which covers acceptable use of technology.
• Ensure that suitable and appropriate filtering and monitoring systems are in place and work with technical staff to monitor the safety and security of our systems and networks.
• Ensure that online safety is embedded within a progressive curriculum, which enables all learners to develop an age-appropriate understanding of online safety.
• Support the DSL and any deputies by ensuring they have sufficient time and resources to fulfil their online safety responsibilities.
• Ensure there are robust reporting channels for the community to access regarding online safety concerns, including internal, local, and national support.
• Ensure that appropriate risk assessments are undertaken regarding the safe use of
technology.
• Audit and evaluate online safety practice to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will:
• Act as a named point of contact on all online safeguarding issues and liaise with other
members of staff or other agencies, as appropriate.
• Work alongside deputy DSLs to ensure online safety is recognised as part of the setting’s
safeguarding responsibilities and that a coordinated approach is implemented.
• Ensure all members of staff receive regular, up-to-date and appropriate online safety training.
• Access regular and appropriate training and support to ensure they understand the unique risks associated with online safety and have the relevant up to date knowledge required to keep learners safe online.
• Access regular and appropriate training and support to ensure they recognise the additional risks that learners with SEN and disabilities (SEND) face online.
• Keep up to date with current research, legislation and trends regarding online safety and communicate this with the community, as appropriate.
• Maintain records of online safety concerns, as well as actions taken, as part of the settings safeguarding recording mechanisms.
• Monitor online safety incidents to identify gaps and trends, and use this data to update the education response, policies, and procedures.
• Report online safety concerns, as appropriate, to the SLT / DSLs as appropriate.
• Work with the leadership team to review and update online safety policies on a regular basis (at least annually) with stakeholder input.
• Meet regularly with the Director a lead responsibility for safeguarding and online safety.
It is the responsibility of all members of staff to:
• Contribute to the development of online safety policies.
• Read and adhere to the online safety policy and acceptable use policies.
• Take responsibility for the security of setting systems and the data they use or have access to.
• Model good practice when using technology and maintain a professional level of conduct in their personal use of technology, both on and off site.
• Embed online safety education in curriculum delivery, wherever possible.
• Have an awareness of a range of online safety issues and how they may be experienced by the children in their care.
• Identify online safety concerns and take appropriate action by following the settings
safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Know when and how to escalate online safety issues, including signposting to appropriate support, internally and externally.
• Take personal responsibility for professional development in this area.
• Know and contribute to Super Scientists/ Esgate Education’s filtering and monitoring process.
It is the responsibility of staff managing the technical environment to:
• Provide technical support and perspective to the DSL and leadership team, especially in the development and implementation of appropriate online safety policies and procedures.
• Implement appropriate security measures as directed by the DSL and leadership team, to ensure that the setting’s IT infrastructure/system is secure and not open to misuse or
malicious attack, whilst allowing learning opportunities to be maximised.
• Ensure that our filtering and monitoring procedures are applied and updated on a regular basis; responsibility for its implementation is shared with the directors and DSL’s.
• Ensure that our filtering and monitoring systems are applied and updated on a regular basis;
responsibility for its implementation is shared with Directors and DSL’s.
• Ensure appropriate access and technical support is given to the DSL (and/or deputy) to our filtering and monitoring systems, to enable them to take appropriate safeguarding action if/when required.
It is the responsibility of learners (at a level that is appropriate to their
individual age and ability) to:
• Engage in age-appropriate online safety education opportunities.
• Contribute to the development of online safety policies.
• Read and adhere to the acceptable use policies.
• Respect the feelings and rights of others, both on and offline.
• Take responsibility for keeping themselves and others safe online.
• Seek help from a trusted adult, if there is a concern online, and support others that may be experiencing online safety issues.
It is the responsibility of parents and carers to:
• Read the acceptable use policies and encourage their children to adhere to them.
• Support our online safety approaches by discussing online safety issues with their children
and reinforcing appropriate and safe online behaviours at home.
• Role model safe and appropriate use of technology and social media.
• Abide by the home-school agreement and/or acceptable use policies.
• Identify changes in behaviour that could indicate that their child is at risk of harm online.
• Seek help and support from the setting, or other appropriate agencies, if they or their child encounter risk or concerns online.
• Contribute to the development of the online safety policies.
• Use our systems, such as learning platforms, and other network resources, safely and
appropriately. (If applicable)
• Take responsibility for their own awareness in relation to the risks and opportunities posed by new and emerging technologies.
Education and Engagement Approaches
Education and engagement with learners
• The setting will establish and embed a progressive online safety curriculum to raise
awareness and promote safe and responsible internet use amongst learners by:
o Ensuring education regarding safe and responsible use precedes internet access.
o Including online safety in Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE), Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and computing programmes of study (if applicable).
o Reinforcing online safety messages whenever technology or the internet is in use.
o Educating learners in the effective use of the internet to research; including the skills of knowledge location, retrieval, and evaluation.
o Teaching learners to be critically aware of the materials they read and shown how to
validate information before accepting its accuracy.
• The setting will support learners to read and understand the acceptable use policies in a way which suits their age and ability by:
o Informing learners that network and internet use will be monitored for safety and security purposes and in accordance with legislation.
o Rewarding positive use of technology.
o Implementing appropriate peer education approaches when necessary.
o Providing online safety education and training as part of the transition programme across the key stages and when moving between establishments.
o Seeking learner voice when writing and developing online safety policies and practices, including curriculum development and implementation.
o Using support, such as external visitors, where appropriate, to complement and support our internal online safety education approaches.
Vulnerable Learners
• Super Scientists/ Esgate Education recognises that some learners are more vulnerable online due to a range of factors. This may include, but is not limited to, children looked after (CLA) or children with a social worker (CIN), children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or mental health needs, children with English as an additional language (EAL) and children experiencing trauma or loss.
• Super Scientists/ Esgate Education will ensure that differentiated and ability appropriate online safety education, access and support is provided to vulnerable learners.
• When implementing an appropriate online safety policy and curriculum, Super Scientists/ Esgate Education will seek input from specialist staff as appropriate, including the SENCO, Directors and DSL.
• Training and engagement with staff
Super Scientists/ Esgate Education will:
• Provide and discuss the online safety policy and procedures with all members of staff as part of induction.
• Provide up-to-date and appropriate online safety training for all staff on a regular basis, with at least annual updates if applicable.
o This will cover the potential risks posed to learners (Content, Contact, Conduct and
Commerce), as well as our professional practice expectations.
• Recognise the expertise staff build by undertaking safeguarding training and managing safeguarding concerns and provide opportunities for staff to contribute to and shape online safety policies and procedures.
• Make staff aware that our IT systems are monitored, and that activity can be traced to
individual users; staff will be reminded to behave professionally and in accordance with our policies when accessing our systems and devices.
• Make staff aware that their online conduct outside of the setting, including personal use of social media, could have an impact on their professional role and reputation.
• Highlight useful educational resources and tools which staff should use, according to the age and ability of the learners.
• Ensure all members of staff are aware of the procedures to follow regarding online safety concerns affecting learners, colleagues, or other members of the community.
Awareness and engagement with parents and carers
Super Scientists/ Esgate Education recognises that parents and carers have an essential role to play in enabling children and young people to become safe and responsible users of the internet and associated technologies.
• We will build a partnership approach to online safety with parents and carers by:
o Making sure our online safety policy is available on our website
o Requesting that they read online safety information as part of joining our community, for example, within our onboarding agreement.
Reducing Online Risks
Super Scientists/ Esgate Education recognises that the internet is a constantly changing environment with new apps,
devices, websites, and material emerging at a rapid pace.
• We will:
o Regularly review the methods used to identify, assess and minimise online risks.
o Examine emerging technologies for educational benefit and undertake appropriate risk assessments before use in the setting is permitted.
o Ensure that appropriate filtering and monitoring is in place and take all reasonable
precautions to ensure that users can only access appropriate material.
o Due to the global and connected nature of the internet, it is not possible to guarantee that unsuitable material cannot be accessed via our computers or devices.
• All members of the community are made aware of our expectations regarding safe and appropriate behaviour online and the importance of not posting any content, comments, images
or videos which could cause harm, distress or offence to members of the community. This is clearly outlined in our acceptable use policies and highlighted through a variety of education and training approaches.
Safer Use of Technology
Classroom Use
Super Scientists/ Esgate Education does use a wide range of technology. This includes access to:
o Laptops
o Internet which may include search engines and educational websites
o Email
o Games consoles and other games-based technologies
o Digital cameras, web cams, and video cameras.
• All setting owned devices will be used in accordance with our acceptable use policies and with appropriate safety and security measures in place.
• Members of staff will always evaluate websites, tools and apps fully before use in the
classroom or recommending for use at home.
• The setting will use age-appropriate search tools following an informed risk assessment, to identify which tool best suits the needs of our community.
• We will ensure that the use of internet-derived materials, by staff and learners, complies with copyright law and acknowledge the source of information.
• Supervision of learners will be appropriate to their age and ability.
o Key Stage 2 - 5 and beyond.
▪ Learners will be appropriately supervised when using technology, according to their
ability and understanding.
Managing Internet Access
All staff will read and sign an acceptable use policy before being given access to our
computer system, IT resources or internet.
Managing Personal Data Online
• Personal data will be recorded, processed, transferred and made available online in
accordance with General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection legislation.
o Full information can be found in our Data Protection policy and according to our ICO regulations.
Security and Management of Information Systems
8• We take appropriate steps to ensure the security of our information systems, including:
o Virus protection being updated regularly.
o Not using portable media without specific permission; portable media will be checked by an anti-virus /malware scan before use.
o Not downloading unapproved software to work devices or opening unfamiliar email
attachments.
o Regularly checking files held on our network,
o The appropriate use of user logins and passwords to access our network.
o All users are expected to log off or lock their screens/devices if systems are unattended.
Managing the Safety of our Website
• We will ensure that information posted on our website meets the requirements as
identified by the Department for Education (DfE) if applicable.
• We will ensure that our website complies with guidelines for publications including:
accessibility; data protection; respect for intellectual property rights; privacy policies and
copyright.
• Staff or learners’ personal information will not be published on our website; the contact
details on the website will be our setting address, email and telephone number.
• The administrator account for our website will be secured with an appropriately strong
password.
• We will post appropriate information about safeguarding, including online safety, on our website for members of the community.
Publishing Images and Videos Online
• We will ensure that all images and videos shared online are used in accordance with the associated polices, including (but not limited to) the cameras and image use, data security, acceptable use policies, codes of conduct/behaviour, social media and use of personal devices and mobile phones.
Managing Email
• Access to our email systems will always take place in accordance with data protection
legislation and in line with other policies, including confidentiality, acceptable use policies and the code of conduct/behaviour policy.
o The forwarding of any chain messages/emails is not permitted.
o Spam or junk mail will be blocked and reported to the email provider.
o Any electronic communication which contains sensitive or personal information will
only be sent using secure and encrypted email.
o Setting email addresses and other official contact details will not be used for setting up personal social media accounts.
• Members of the community will immediately tell DSL if they receive offensive
communication, and this will be recorded in our safeguarding files/records.
• Excessive social email use can interfere with teaching and learning and will be
restricted; access to external personal email accounts may be blocked on site.
• The use of personal email addresses by staff for any official setting business is not
permitted.
9o All members of staff are provided with an email address to use for all official
communication.
• Members of staff are encouraged to have an appropriate work life balance when
responding to email, especially if communication is taking place between staff,
learners and parents.
Social Media
Staff Personal Use of Social Media
• The safe and responsible use of social networking, social media and personal publishing sites will be discussed with all members of staff as part of staff induction and will be revisited and communicated via regular staff training opportunities.
• Safe and professional behaviour will be outlined for all members of staff (including
volunteers) as part of our code of conduct/behaviour policy as part of acceptable use policy.
Reputation
• All members of staff are advised that their online conduct on social media can have an
impact on their role and reputation within the setting.
o Civil, legal or disciplinary action may be taken if staff are found to bring the profession or institution into disrepute, or if something is felt to have undermined confidence in their professional abilities.
• All members of staff are advised to safeguard themselves and their privacy when using social media sites. Advice will be provided to staff via staff training and by sharing appropriate guidance and resources on a regular basis. This will include (but is not limited to):
o Setting the privacy levels of their personal sites.
o Being aware of location sharing services.
o Opting out of public listings on social networking sites.
o Logging out of accounts after use.
o Keeping passwords safe and confidential.
o Ensuring staff do not represent their personal views as that of the setting.
• Members of staff are encouraged not to identify themselves as employees of Super Scientists/ Esgate Education on their personal social networking accounts, this is to prevent information on these sites from being linked with the setting, and to safeguard the privacy of staff members.
• All members of staff are encouraged to carefully consider the information, including text and images, they share and post online and to ensure that their social media use is compatible with their professional role and is in accordance our policies and the wider professional and legal framework.
• Information and content that staff members have access to as part of their employment,
including photos and personal information about learners and their family members or
colleagues will not be shared or discussed on social media sites.
• Members of staff will notify the Directors and DSL’s immediately if they consider that any content shared on social media sites conflicts with their role.
Communicating with learners, parents, and carers
10• All members of staff are advised not to communicate with or add as ‘friends’ any current or past learners or their family members via any personal social media sites, applications or profiles.
o Any pre-existing relationships or exceptions that may compromise this, will be discussed with DSL’s and Directors.
o If ongoing contact with learners is required once they have left the setting, members of staff will be expected to use official networks or use official setting provided
communication tools.
• Staff will not use personal social media accounts to contact learners or parents, nor should any contact be accepted.
• Any communication from learners and parents received on personal social media accounts will be reported to the DSL’s or directors immediately.
Learners’ Personal Use of Social Media
• Safe and appropriate use of social media will be taught to learners as part of an embedded and progressive education approach, via age-appropriate sites and resources.
• Any concerns regarding learners’ use of social media will be dealt with in accordance with existing policies, including anti-bullying and behaviour. Students do not have access to smart phones or other technology whilst on site. If they do, they are asked to keep devices in a faraday pounce during learning times.
o Concerns will be shared with parents/carers as appropriate, particularly when concerning underage use of social media sites, games, or tools.
• Learners will be advised:
o To consider the benefits and risks of sharing personal details on social media sites which could identify them and/or their location.
o To only approve and invite known friends on social media sites and to deny access to
others by making profiles private.
o Not to meet any online friends without a parent/carer or other responsible adult’s
permission and only when a trusted adult is present.
o To use safe passwords.
o To use social media sites which are appropriate for their age and abilities.
o How to block and report unwanted communications.
o How to report concerns both within the setting and externally.
Staff expectations
• Members of staff who follow and/or like our official social media channels will be advised to use dedicated professionals accounts, where possible, to avoid blurring professional boundaries.
• If members of staff are participating in online social media activity as part of their capacity
as an employee of the setting, they will:
o Always be professional and aware they are an ambassador for the setting.
o Disclose their official role and/or position but make it clear that they do not necessarily
speak on behalf of the setting.
o Always be responsible, credible, fair, and honest, and consider how the information
being published could be perceived or shared.
11o Always act within the legal frameworks they would adhere to within the workplace,
including: libel, defamation, confidentiality, copyright, data protection, and equalities
laws.
o Ensure that they have appropriate consent before sharing images on the official social media channel.
o Not disclose information, make commitments, or engage in activities on behalf of the
setting, unless they are authorised to do so.
o Not engage with any direct or private messaging with current, or past, learners,
parents and carers.
o Inform their line manager, the DSLs, and Directors of any concerns, such as criticism, inappropriate content or contact from learners.
Responding to Online Safety Incidents and Concerns
• All members of the community will be made aware of the reporting procedure for online safety concerns, including breaches of filtering, youth produced sexual imagery (sexting), cyberbullying and illegal content.
• All members of the community must respect confidentiality and the need to follow the official procedures for reporting concerns.
o Learners, parents, and staff will be informed of our complaints procedure and staff will be made aware of the whistleblowing procedure.
• We require staff, parents, carers, and learners to work in partnership to resolve online safety issues.
• After any investigations are completed, we will debrief, identify lessons learnt and implement any policy or curriculum changes as required.
• Super Scientists/ Esgate Education will follow the NSPCC guidance on when to contact the Police available here:-
when-to-call-the-police--guidance-for-schools-and-colleges.pdf (npcc.police.uk)
• If an incident or concern needs to be passed beyond our community (for example, if other local settings are involved or the public may be at risk), the DSLs or Director’s will speak with local Police first to ensure that potential investigations are not compromised.
Concerns about Learners’ Welfare
• The DSLs (or directors) will be informed of any online safety incidents involving safeguarding or child protection concerns.
• The DSLs (or directors) will record these issues in line with our child protection policy.
• The DSLs (or directors) will ensure that online safety concerns are escalated and reported to relevant agencies in line with the DSCP thresholds and procedures.
• We will inform parents and carers of online safety incidents or concerns involving their child, as and when required.
Staff Misuse
• Any complaint about staff misuse will be referred to the DSLs / Directors in accordance with the safeguarding policy.
• Issues which do not meet the threshold requiring reporting to the LADO will be recorded in the organisations record of low-level concerns.
• Any allegations regarding a member of staff’s online conduct reaching the threshold will be discussed with the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer).
• Appropriate action will be taken in accordance with our staff behaviour policy/code of
Conduct.
Procedures for Responding to Specific Online Incidents
or Concerns
Online Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment between Children
• Our setting has accessed and understood the guidance and part 5 of
‘Keeping children safe in education’ 2023
• We recognise that sexual violence and sexual harassment between children can take
place online. Examples may include non-consensual sharing of sexual images and
videos, sexualised online bullying, online coercion, and threats, unwanted sexual
comments and messages on social media, and online sexual exploitation.
o Full details of how we will respond to concerns relating to sexual violence and sexual
harassment between children can be found within our child protection policy.
• We recognise that the internet brings the potential for the impact of any sexual violence and sexual harassment concerns to extend further than the local community, and for a victim or alleged perpetrator to become marginalised and excluded by online communities.
• We also recognise the potential for repeat victimisation in the future if abusive content
continues to exist somewhere online.
• We will ensure that all members of the community are made aware of the potential social, psychological and criminal consequences of online sexual violence and sexual
harassment between children by implementing a range of age and ability appropriate
educational methods.
• We will ensure that all members of the community are aware of sources of support
regarding online sexual violence and sexual harassment between children.
• We will respond to concerns regarding online sexual violence and sexual harassment
between children, if the incident took place on our premises or using
our equipment.
• If made aware of online sexual violence and sexual harassment, we will:
o Immediately notify the DSLs (or directors) and act in accordance with our child protection policies.
o If content is contained on learners' electronic devices, they will be managed in
accordance with the DfE ‘searching screening and confiscation’ advice.
o Provide the necessary safeguards and support for all learners involved, such as
offering specific advice on blocking, reporting, and removing online content, as well as
providing appropriate counselling/pastoral support.
o Implement appropriate sanctions in accordance with our behaviour policy.
o Inform parents and carers, if appropriate, about the incident and how it is being
managed.
o If appropriate, make a referral to partner agencies, such as First Contact and/or the
Police.
o If the concern involves children and young people at a different educational setting,
work in partnership with other DSLs to ensure appropriate safeguarding action is taken
in the wider local community.
▪ If a criminal offence has been committed, the DSLs (or directors) will discuss this with
Local Police first to ensure that investigations are not compromised.
o Review the handling of any incidents to ensure that best practice was implemented,
and policies/procedures are appropriate.
Youth Produced Sexual Imagery (“Nudes”)
• We recognise youth produced sexual imagery (known as “nudes”) as a safeguarding
issue; all concerns will be reported to and dealt with by the DSLs.
15• This section only applies to YP under the age of 18 creating/sharing/receiving nudes of a YP. It does not apply to children sharing adult pornography.
• On any occasion when an adult is in possession of or is sharing an illegal image of a
YP – this will always be an urgent police matter.
• We will follow the advice set out by the DfE
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sharing-nudes-and-semi-nudes-advice-
for-education-settings-working-with-children-and-young-people
• We will ensure that all members of the community are made aware of the potential
social, psychological, and criminal consequences of ‘sexting’ by implementing
preventative approaches, via a range of age and ability appropriate educational
methods.
• We will ensure that all members of the community are aware of sources of support
regarding youth produced sexual imagery.
• We will respond to concerns regarding youth produced sexual imagery, if
the incident took place on site or using setting provided or personal
equipment.
• We will review the handling of any incidents to ensure that best practice was
implemented; DSLs and Directors will also review and update any management
procedures, where necessary.
Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
• We will ensure that all members of the community are aware of online child sexual
abuse, including exploitation and grooming; the consequences; possible approaches
which may be employed by offenders to target children and how to respond to concerns.
• We recognise online child sexual abuse and exploitation (including criminal exploitation)
as a safeguarding issue and, as such, all concerns will be reported to and dealt with by
the DSLs.
• Schools and alternative provisions are reminded that a criminal offence has been committed if a person aged 18 or over intentionally communicates with a child under 16, who the adult does
not reasonably believe to be 16 or over, if the communication is sexual or if it is intended to encourage the child to make a communication which is sexual. The offence will be committed whether or not the child communicates with the adult. This is the offence of sexual communication with a child under section 67 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.
• We will implement preventative approaches for online child sexual abuse and exploitation (including criminal exploitation) via a range of age and ability appropriate education for learners, staff, and parents/carers.
• We will ensure that all members of the community are aware of the support available
regarding online child sexual abuse and exploitation (including criminal exploitation), both locally and nationally.
• We will respond to concerns regarding online child sexual abuse and exploitation
(including criminal exploitation) if the incident took place on our premises or using setting provided or personal equipment.
• If we are unclear whether a criminal offence has been committed, the DSLs will
obtain advice immediately through Local Police.
• If learners at other setting are believed to have been targeted, the DSL’s will
seek support from Local Police and the other settings DSL first to ensure that potential
investigations are not compromised.
Indecent Images of Children (IIOC)
• We will ensure that all members of the community are made aware of the possible
consequences of accessing Indecent Images of Children (IIOC).
• We will respond to concerns regarding IIOC on our equipment and/or personal
equipment, even if access took place off site.
• We will seek to prevent accidental access to IIOC by using an Internet Service Provider (ISP) which subscribes to the Internet Watch Foundation block list and by implementing appropriate filtering, firewalls, and anti-spam software.
• If we are unclear if a criminal offence has been committed, the DSL will obtain
advice immediately through Local Police and/or the Education Safeguarding Team/DSLs.
• If made aware of IIOC, we will:
o Act in accordance with our child protection policy and the relevant procedures.
o Store any devices involved securely.
o Immediately inform appropriate organisations, such as CEOP, Local Police or the
LADO.
• If made aware that a member of staff or a learner has been inadvertently exposed to
indecent images of children, we will:
o Ensure that the DSL’s are informed.
o Ensure that the URLs (webpage addresses) which contain the suspect images are
reported to the Internet Watch Foundation via www.iwf.org.uk .
o Ensure that any copies that exist of the image, for example in emails, are deleted.
o Report concerns, as appropriate to parents and carers.
• If made aware that indecent images of children have been found on the setting provided devices, we will:
o Ensure that the DSLs are informed.
o Ensure that the URLs (webpage addresses) which contain the suspect images are
reported to the Internet Watch Foundation via www.iwf.org.uk .
o Ensure that any copies that exist of the image, for example, in emails, are deleted.
o Inform the Police via 101 (999 if there is an immediate risk of harm) and First Contact
o Only store copies of images (securely, where no one else has access to them and
delete all other copies) at the request of the police only.
o Report concerns, as appropriate to parents and carers.
• If made aware that a member of staff is in possession of indecent images of children on setting provided devices, we will:
o Ensure that the Directors and DSLs are informed in line with our managing allegations against staff policy.
o Inform the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and other relevant organisations
in accordance with our managing allegations against staff policy.
o Quarantine any devices until police advice has been sought.
Child Criminal Exploitation – Including County Lines
• All staff need to be aware of the indicators that a child may be at risk from, or involved
with Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) and note that this can be facilitated through the use of technology. Further details are in the safeguarding policy.
Cyberbullying
• Cyberbullying, along with all other forms of bullying, will not be tolerated at Super Scientists/ Esgate Education.
Online Hate
• Online hate content, directed towards or posted by specific members of the community will not be tolerated at Super Scientists/ Esgate Education, and will be responded to in line with existing
policies, including anti-bullying and behaviour.
• All members of the community will be advised to report online hate in accordance with
relevant policies and procedures.
• The Police will be contacted if a criminal offence is suspected.
• If we are unclear on how to respond, or whether a criminal offence has been committed,
the DSLs will obtain advice through First Contact or Local Police
Online Radicalisation and Extremism
• We will take all reasonable precautions to ensure that learners and staff are safe from
terrorist and extremist material when accessing the internet on site. Students who have
access to the internet are best protected from exposure with firewall programmes on devices.
• If we are concerned that a child or parent/carer may be at risk of radicalisation online, the
DSLs will be informed immediately, and action will be taken in line with our
child protection policy.
• If we are concerned that member of staff may be at risk of radicalisation online, the
Directors/DSLs will be informed immediately, and action will be taken in line with the child
protection and allegations policies.
Useful Links for Educational Settings
Local Police/National Police
In an emergency (a life is in danger or a crime in progress) dial 999. For other non-urgent
enquiries contact the Police via 101
NPCC have produced a useful guide about detailing at what point The Police should be
contacted.
when-to-call-the-police--guidance-for-schools-and-colleges.pdf (npcc.police.uk)
Prevent Officer – Kerry Esgate-Green, as must be notified DSL but referrals should be made through First Contact.
Other:
• ICTSS helpdesk 03000 261100
• Sharon Lewis / Louise Brookes (LADO) 03000 26883518
National Links and Resources for Educational Settings:
• CEOP:
• www.thinkuknow.co.uk
• www.ceop.police.uk
• Childnet: www.childnet.com
• Internet Matters: www.internetmatters.org
• Internet Watch Foundation (IWF): www.iwf.org.uk
• Lucy Faithfull Foundation: www.lucyfaithfull.org
▪ Parent Protect https://www.parentsprotect.co.uk/ - this includes advice for parents on
peer on peer abuse and how to cope if your child has got into significant trouble
online.
• NSPCC: www.nspcc.org.uk/onlinesafety
• ChildLine: www.childline.org.uk
• The Marie Collins Foundation: www.mariecollinsfoundation.org.uk
• UK Safer Internet Centre: www.saferinternet.org.uk
• Professional Online Safety Helpline: www.saferinternet.org.uk/about/helpline
• 360 Safe Self-Review tool for schools: www.360safe.org.uk
• Parentzone ( Google Internet Legends ) https://parentzone.org.uk/
National Links and Resources for Parents/Carers:
• Internet Matters: www.internetmatters.org
This site is particularly useful for providing clear information and up-to-date advice on setting
parental controls.
• Action Fraud: www.actionfraud.police.uk (This is the place to report ransomware, scams
etc.)
• CEOP:
• www.thinkuknow.co.uk
• www.ceop.police.uk
• Childnet: www.childnet.com
• Get Safe Online: www.getsafeonline.org
• Internet Watch Foundation (IWF): www.iwf.org.uk
• Lucy Faithfull Foundation: www.lucyfaithfull.org
• Parent protect - advice for parents having difficulties e.g. Peer on peer abuse or Police
involvement www.parentsprotect.co.uk/
• NSPCC: www.nspcc.org.uk/onlinesafety
• ChildLine: www.childline.org.uk
• Net Aware: www.net-aware.org.uk
• The Marie Collins Foundation: www.mariecollinsfoundation.org.uk
• UK Safer Internet Centre: www.saferinternet.org.uk
Policy complete: 23/01/26
Needs up-dating: 24/01/27