Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Internet Acceptable Use Policy Stretton Handley (C of E) Primary School
Internet Acceptable Use Policy
Who will write and review the policy?
Our Internet Policy has been written by the school, building on the Kent NGfL policy and government guidance. It has been agreed by the senior management and approved by governors. It will be reviewed annually.
Why is Internet use important?
The purpose of Internet use in school is to raise educational standards, to promote pupil achievement, to support the professional work of staff and to enhance the school’s management information and business administration systems.
Internet use is a part of the statutory curriculum and a necessary tool for staff and pupils.
Internet access is an entitlement for students who show a responsible and mature approach to its use.
The Internet is an essential element in 21st century life for education, business and social interaction. The school has a duty to provide students with quality Internet access as part of their learning experience.
How does the Internet benefit education?
Benefits of using the Internet in education include:
access to world-wide educational resources including museums and art galleries;
inclusion in government initiatives such as the DfES ICT in Schools and the Virtual Teacher Centre (VTC);
educational and cultural exchanges between pupils world-wide;
cultural, vocational, social and leisure use in libraries, clubs and at home;
access to experts in many fields for pupils and staff;
staff professional development through access to national developments, educational materials and good curriculum practice;
communication with support services, professional associations and colleagues;
exchange of curriculum and administration data with the LEA and DfES.
How will Internet use enhance learning?
The school Internet access will be designed expressly for pupil use and will include filtering appropriate to the age of pupils.
Internet access will be planned to enrich and extend learning activities. Access levels will be reviewed to reflect the curriculum requirements and age of pupils.
Staff should guide pupils in on-line activities that will support the learning outcomes planned for the pupils’ age and maturity.
Pupils will be educated in the effective use of the Internet in research, including the skills of knowledge location, retrieval and evaluation.
Pupils will be taught to use the Internet, and other technologies, in a safe and discriminating manner. We use the DfES “Internet Proficiency Scheme for Key Stage 2 Pupils” which is delivered in ICT/PSHE lessons during Years 5 or 6.
How will pupils learn to evaluate Internet content?
If staff or pupils discover unsuitable sites, the URL (address) and content must be reported to the Internet Service Provider via the ICT co-ordinator.
Schools should ensure that the use of Internet derived materials by staff and by pupils complies with copyright law.
Pupils should be taught to be critically aware of the materials they read and shown how to validate information before accepting its accuracy. (Part of the ICT curriculum)
Pupils will be taught to acknowledge the source of information and to respect copyright when using Internet material in their own work.
Training should be available to staff in the evaluation of Web materials and methods of developing students’ critical attitudes.
How will e-mail be managed?
Pupils at lower KS2 learn about e-mail using a simulation package and practice using the schools e-mail system internally. Pupils in upper KS2 look at the use of e-mail in more detail through the “Internet Proficiency Scheme”.
Pupils may only use approved e-mail accounts on the school system. Pupils do not have individual addresses only whole class or group e-mail addresses are used. These are not publicised outside the school.
Pupils must immediately tell a teacher if they receive offensive e-mail.
Pupils must not reveal details of themselves or others, such as address or telephone number, or arrange to meet anyone in e‑mail communication.
Pupils may only use e-mail if directed to do so and supervised by a member of staff.
E-mail sent to an external organisation should be written carefully and authorised before sending, in the same way as a letter written on school headed paper.
How should Web site content be managed?
The point of contact on the Web site should be the school address, school e-mail and telephone number. Staff or pupils’ home information will not be published.
Web site photographs that include pupils will be selected carefully and will not enable individual pupils to be clearly identified.
Pupils’ full names will not be used anywhere on the Web site, particularly in association with photographs.
Written permission from parents or carers will be obtained before photographs of pupils are published on the school Web site.
The Headteacher or nominee will take overall editorial responsibility and ensure that content is accurate and appropriate.
The Web site should comply with the school's guidelines for publications.
The copyright of all material must be held by the school, or be attributed to the owner where permission to reproduce has been obtained.
Use of Chat Rooms
Pupils will not be allowed access to public or unregulated chat rooms.
Children should use only regulated educational chat environments. This use will always be supervised and the importance of chat room safety emphasised.
A risk assessment will be carried out before pupils are allowed to use a new technology in school.
How can emerging Internet applications be managed?
Emerging technologies will be examined for educational benefit and a risk assessment will be carried out before use in school is allowed.
Mobile phones will not be used during lessons or formal school time, unless as an integral part of a lesson e.g. “Internet Proficiency Scheme – safe use of mobile phone technology”. The sending of abusive or inappropriate text messages is forbidden.
How will Internet access be authorised?
At Key Stage 1, access to the Internet will be by adult demonstration with occasional directly supervised access to specific, approved on-line materials.
Parents will be informed that pupils will be provided with supervised Internet access (an example letter for primary schools is included as an appendix).
Parents will be asked to sign and return a consent form. Please see the sample form later in this document. The school will keep a record of pupils who are permitted to use the Internet.
How will the risks be assessed?
In common with other media such as magazines, books and video, some material available via the Internet is unsuitable for pupils. The school will take all reasonable precautions to ensure that users access only appropriate material. However, due to the international scale and linked nature of Internet content, it is not possible to guarantee that unsuitable material will never appear on a school computer. Neither the school nor the LEA can accept liability for the material accessed, or any consequences of Internet access.
The use of computer systems without permission or for inappropriate purposes could constitute a criminal offence under the Computer Misuse Act 1990.
Methods to identify, assess and minimise risks will be reviewed regularly.
The headteacher will ensure that the Internet policy is implemented and compliance with the policy monitored.
How will filtering be managed?
The school will work in partnership with parents, the LEA, DfES and the Internet Service Provider to ensure systems to protect pupils are reviewed and improved.
If staff or pupils discover unsuitable sites, the URL (address) and content must be reported to the Internet Service Provider via the ICT co-ordinator.
Staff will ensure that regular checks are made to ensure that the filtering methods selected are appropriate, effective and reasonable.
Any material that the school believes is illegal must be referred to the Internet Watch Foundation (please see references given later).
Filtering strategies will be selected by the school in discussion with the filtering provider where appropriate. Where possible, the filtering strategy will be selected to suit the age and curriculum requirements of the pupil.
How will the policy be introduced to pupils?
Rules for Internet access will be posted near all computer systems.
Instruction in responsible and safe use should precede free Internet access.
A module on responsible Internet use will be included in the ICT/PSHE programme covering both school and home use. The “Internet Proficiency Scheme for KS 2 pupils” (DfES publication) will be used to implement this in Years 5 and 6.
How will staff be consulted?
All staff must accept the terms of the ‘Responsible Internet Use’ statement before using any Internet resource in school.
All staff including teachers, supply staff, classroom assistants and support staff, will be provided with the School Internet Policy, and its importance explained.
Staff should be aware that Internet traffic can be monitored and traced to the individual user. Discretion and professional conduct is essential.
Staff development in the safe and responsible Internet use, and on school Internet policy will be provided as required.
How will ICT system security be maintained?
The school ICT systems will be reviewed regularly with regard to security.
Virus protection will be installed and updated regularly.
Personal data sent over the Internet will be encrypted or otherwise secured.
Use of floppy disk, and other removable media, will be reviewed. Personal disks may not be brought into school without specific permission and a virus check.
Unapproved system utilities and executable files will not be allowed in pupils’ work areas or attached to e-mail.
Files held on the school’s network will be regularly checked.
The IT co-ordinator / network manager will ensure that the system has the capacity to take increased traffic caused by Internet use.
How will complaints regarding Internet use be handled?
Any complaint about staff or pupil misuse of the Internet must be referred to the Headteacher.
Pupils and parents will be informed of the complaints procedure.
Parents and pupils will need to work in partnership with staff to resolve issues.
Sanctions available include:
informing parents or carers;
removal of Internet or computer access for a period
How will parents’ support be enlisted?
Parents’ attention will be drawn to the School Internet Policy through a letter accompanying the pupil Internet usage consent form.
Internet issues will be handled sensitively to inform parents without undue alarm.
A partnership approach with parents will be encouraged. Leaflets will be made available to provide guidelines for safe Internet use at home. Interested parents will be referred to organisations such as PIN, Parents Online and NCH Action for Children (URLs in reference section).
Related Documents
This policy should be read in conjunction with “Policy on Use of the Internet and Electronic Mail” (Derbyshire LEA policy document for employees), and the Schools ICT policy.
Sample letter to Parents
09 November 2004
Dear Parents
Responsible Internet Use
As part of your child’s curriculum and the development of ICT skills, Stretton Handley Primary School is providing supervised access to the Internet. We believe that the use of the World Wide Web and e-mail is worthwhile and is an essential skill for children as they grow up in the modern world.
Please would you read the attached Rules for Responsible Internet Use, and sign and return the consent form so that your child may continue to use the Internet at school.
Although there are concerns about pupils having access to undesirable materials, we have taken positive steps to deal with this risk in school. Our school Internet provider operates a filtering system that restricts access to inappropriate materials. This may not be the case at home and we can provide references to information on safe Internet access if you wish. We also have leaflets from national bodies that explain the issues further. Year 5 and 6 children also follow an “Internet Proficiency Scheme”, developed for Junior children, to learn how to use the Internet and other technologies safely and effectively.
Whilst every endeavour is made to ensure that suitable restrictions are placed on the ability of children to access inappropriate materials, the School cannot be held responsible for the nature or content of materials accessed through the Internet. The School will not be liable for any damages arising from your child’s use of the Internet facilities.
Should you wish to discuss any aspect of Internet use, please contact me. A copy of our Internet Policy may be viewed at school.
Yours sincerely
Mrs HT Badhams
Headteacher
Sample pupil agreement and parent consent form
Stretton Handley Primary School
Responsible Internet Use
Please complete, sign and return to the school secretary
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Pupil:
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Class:
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Pupil’s Agreement
I have read and I understand the school Rules for Responsible Internet Use. I will use the computer system and Internet in a responsible way and obey these rules at all times.
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Signed:
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Date:
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Parent’s Consent for Internet Access
I have read and understood the school rules for responsible Internet use and give permission for my son / daughter to access the Internet. I understand that the school will take all reasonable precautions to ensure pupils cannot access inappropriate materials. I understand that the school cannot be held responsible for the nature or content of materials accessed through the Internet. I agree that the school is not liable for any damages arising from use of the Internet facilities.
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Signed:
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Date:
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Please print name:
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This consent form is based, with permission, on the Internet Policy of the
Irish National Centre for Technology in Education.
Stretton Handley (C of E)
Primary School
Responsible Internet & Computer Use
These rules will help us to be fair to others and keep everyone safe.
I will ask permission before using the Computers.
I will not look at or delete other people's files.
I will use the class login and password during lessons.
I will use my own login and password during break times and will log off at the end of the session.
I will not bring software or disks into school without permission.
I will only use the Internet during lesson time when I have been given permission.
I will NEVER use the Internet during break times.
I will only use e-mail when supervised by my teacher.
The messages I send will be polite and sensible.
I will not give my home address or phone number, or arrange to meet someone.
I will ask for permission before opening an e-mail or an e-mail attachment.
I will not use Internet chat.
If I see anything I am unhappy with or I receive messages I do not like, I will tell a teacher immediately.
I understand that the school may check my computer files and the Internet sites I visit.
I understand that if I deliberately break these rules, I may not be allowed to use the Internet or computers.
References
Particularly for Parents and Children
National Action for Children (NCH) www.nchafc.org.uk/itok/
Parents Guide on Internet usage
Bullying Online www.bullying.co.uk
Advice for children, parents and schools
FKBKO - For Kids By Kids Online www.fkbko.co.uk
Excellent Internet savvy for kids; KS1 to KS3
Parents Information Network (PIN) www.pin.org.uk
Comprehensive guidelines on Internet safety
Parents Online www.parentsonline.gov.uk/2003/parents/index.html
Interactive learning and safety advice, excellent presentation for parents.
Kidsmart http://www.kidsmart.org.uk
An Internet safety site from Childnet, with low-cost leaflets for parents.
Think U Know? http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
Site for pupils explaining Internet dangers and how to stay in control.
Wise Up to the Net www.wiseuptothenet.co.uk
Home office advice to parents on Internet safety.
Particularly for Schools
Associations of Co-ordinators of IT (ACITT)
Acceptable use policy for the Internet in UK Schools, original straightforward text.
http://www.g2fl.greenwich.gov.uk/acitt/resources/assoc/aup97.doc
NAACE / BCS www.naace.org (publications section)
A guide for schools prepared by the BCS Schools Committee
and the National Association of Advisers for Computer Education (NAACE)
DfES Superhighway Safety http://safety.ngfl.gov.uk
Essential reading, both Web site and free information pack. Telephone: 0845 6022260
Internet Watch Foundation - www.iwf.org.uk
Invites users to report illegal Web sites
Data Protection www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk/
New Web site from the Information Commissioner
Kent Web Skills Project www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/webskills/
Discussion of the research process and how the Web is best used in projects.
Click Thinking: Scottish Education Department www.scotland.gov.uk/clickthinking
Comprehensive safety advice
Kent ICT Security Policy www.kent.gov.uk/eis (broadband link)
An overview of the need to secure networks with Internet access.
Copyright www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html
Irreverent but useful coverage of the main aspects of copyright of digital materials, US-based.
Internet Users Guide www.terena.nl/library/gnrt/
A guide to network resource tools, a book (ISBN 0-201-61905-9) or free on the Web.
Alan November – The Grammar of the Internet http://www.anovember.com/infolit/
Article explaining how to evaluation Web sites and information
DotSafe – European Internet Safety Project http://dotsafe.eun.org/
A comprehensive site with a wide range of ideas and resources, some based on Kent work.
Cybercafe http://www.gridclub.com/home_page/hot_headlines/cyber.shtml
Internet proficiency through online games for KS2, with a free teacher’s pack.
Date issued: Approved by governors:
Reviewed: Minute no.:
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