E-Safety

Learning Without Limits, Safely

At Charters School, our commitment to "Learning Without Limits" means providing students with the digital tools they need to excel in a modern world. However, we recognise that an ambitious digital curriculum must be built on a foundation of safety, responsibility, and robust support.

As we transition towards becoming a 1:1 iPad school, our priority is to ensure that every student feels empowered to use technology creatively and purposefully, while remaining protected from online risks.

Our Approach to Digital Safety

The safety of our students is a shared responsibility between the school, the student, and home. Our e-safety strategy is built on three pillars:

1. Robust Infrastructure

While at school, all iPads are protected by robust filtering and monitoring systems that align with the latest Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 standards.

To support our 1:1 rollout, we utilise JAMF Mobile Device Management and Apple Classroom. This allows teachers to:

• Guide student focus by "locking" devices into specific educational apps.
• Monitor student screens in real-time during lessons to ensure "on-task" behaviour.
• Restrict features such as Airdrop or the Camera in sensitive areas of the school.

2. Empowering Students - The Digital Code of Conduct

We don’t just block content; we teach students how to navigate it. Through our induction tutorials, Learning to Learn and PDL students learn:

• Digital Citizenship: Understanding the impact of their digital footprint.
• Responsible Usage: How to use their iPad as a tool for learning, rather than a distraction.
• Self-Regulation: Managing screen time and understanding the importance of "switching off" at home.

3. Supporting Parents/Carers

We recognise that having a 1:1 device at home can be a significant change for families. We will continue to provide ongoing resources and support sessions to help parents:

• Set boundaries for device usage outside of school hours.
• Understand the apps and platforms being used in the curriculum.
• Navigate conversations about social media, gaming, and online privacy.

Reporting a Concern

At Charters School, we encourage an open culture where students feel confident reporting anything that makes them feel uncomfortable online.

• In School: Students should speak to their Tutor, Head of Year, or any member of the Safeguarding Team.
• Digitally: Concerns can be reported via the [email protected]
• Externally: We work closely with CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) and recommend the ThinkUKnow resources for both students and parents.

Key Resources for Parents

• UK Safer Internet Centre – The UK internet Centre provides many resources and information to help children and young people stay safe online - Homepage - UK Safer Internet Centre
• Childnet International – Childnet Internation is a charity that promotes safe and responsible internet use by children and young people - Childnet — Online safety for young people
• NSPCC – The NSPCC charity that provides support and advice for parents, carers and young people on various issues, including online safety. Their website includes guidance on how to talk to children about online security and information on how to report concerns - NSPCC | The UK children's charity | NSPCC
• Parent Zone – Parent Zone is a website that provides information and resources for parents on various issues, including online safety. Their website includes guidance on how to set up parental controls and information on different types of apps and games - Parent Zone | At the heart of digital family life
• The National Crime Agency’s Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Education Team – The aim of CEOP’s Education Team is to help protect children and young people from online child sexual abuse. They publish a number of resources and training courses to help keep children safe online - CEOP Education

Together, we ensure that at Charters School, digital innovation always goes hand-in-hand with student wellbeing.