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Hunnypot Corner’s E-safety Policy

Policy statement

At Hunnypot Corner we provide a diverse, balanced and relevant approach to the use of technology. Children are encouraged to maximise the benefits and opportunities that technology has to offer. Children learn in an environment where security measures are balanced appropriately with the need to learn effectively.

This policy sets out our commitment to safeguarding children, staff and families in their use of online technologies. It addresses the responsibilities of all staff, volunteers, visitors and parents in using online technologies safely and outlines the reporting procedures should an incident occur.

Roles and responsibilities

E-safety is everyone’s responsibility. We have a designated lead person for e-safety who oversees the management of online safety of all users and ensures that it is agreed and respected by all. The role of the designated e-safety lead includes:

  • ensuring that the e-safety policy and associated documents are up to date and reviewed regularly

  • ensuring that the policy is implemented and that compliance is actively monitored

  • ensuring that all staff are aware of reporting procedures and requirements should an e-safety incident occur

  • ensuring that the e-safety incident log is appropriately maintained and reviewed regularly

  • ensuring that children are supported to learn about online safety in a way that is appropriate for their age and development

  • keeping up-to-date with e-safety issues and guidance

  • ensuring e-safety updates, training and advice is available for staff, parents/carers

  • liaison with the designated safeguarding lead to ensure a co-ordinated approach across relevant safeguarding issues.

All staff have a shared responsibility to ensure that children are able to use the internet and related technologies appropriately and safely as part of the wider duty of care to which all adults working with children are bound.

Training

  • Staff are trained to follow best practice when using online technologies.

  • The training needs of staff are identified.

  • The availability of internal and external training is advertised to staff.

Reporting

  • There are clear and understood systems for reporting e-safety incidents and concerns to the e-safety lead or management.

  • There are clear escalation processes for the handling of incidents.

  • The culture of the organisation encourages all staff and users and its wider community to be vigilant in reporting issues.

  • Issues raised will be dealt with quickly and sensitively.

  • Reports of incidents are logged and regularly audited and monitored.

  • The organisation actively seeks support from the local authority.

  • There are good links with outside agencies.

Sanctions

  • Staff and users are made aware of the consequences of their actions should they misuse online technologies. Incidents of misuse will be dealt with through accepted disciplinary procedures, which may include verbal or written warning, suspension, referral to local authority, referral to police.

  • Users are informed that sanctions can be applied to e-safety incidents that take place outside of the organisation if they are related to the organisation.

  • The organisation is strict in monitoring and applying the e-safety policy.

Filtering and Supervising

  • The provision ensures that there is safe access to the internet.

  • An accredited or approved Internet Service Provider, (ISP), is used to provide internet access and there is an effective age appropriate filtering system combined with user discussion and consistent supervision.

  • Reporting of inappropriate sites is to the e-safety lead who logs them.

Email Use

  • The provision has a professional email account to use for all work-related business, including communication with parents and carers. This is only accessed by the Director, Manager and Deputy Manager at all times.

  • All emails should be professional in tone and checked carefully before sending, just as an official letter would be.

  • Email is covered by the Data Protection Act (2018), the Freedom of information Act (2000) and the General Data Protection Regulation so safe practice should be followed in respect of record keeping and security.

Use of Social Networking Sites

Due to the public nature of social networking and the inability to keep content truly private, great care must be taken in the management and use of such sites.

  • Identifiable images of children should not be used on social networking sites.

  • To maintain professional distance and to avoid unwanted contact, staff should not link their personal social networking accounts to the provision's page.

  • Privacy settings are set to maximum and checked regularly.

Mobile phones

  • The provision allows staff to bring in personal mobile phones and devices for their own use but under no circumstances can a member of staff use a device while working.

  • Users bringing personal devices into the provision must ensure that there is no inappropriate or illegal content on the device.

  • The provision is not responsible for the loss, damage or theft of any personal mobile device.

Photographs and digital images

There are strict policies and procedures about the use of digital imagery and videos.

  • The provision seeks to minimise risks involved in the taking, storing, using, sharing, publishing and distribution of digital images and video.

  • There are well-established procedures for gaining parental permission and consent is sought every 12 months.

  • Standards are rigorously applied by all users and reviewed in the light of changing technologies.

Laptops, computers and tablets

  • Where staff have been issued with a device for work purposes, personal use while off site is not permitted unless authorised by the manager. The provision's I pads/devices should be used by the authorised person only.

  • Staff are aware that all activities carried out on the provision's devices and systems, both within and outside of the work environment, will be monitored in accordance with this policy.

  • Staff will ensure that provision I pads and devices are made available as necessary for anti-virus updates, software installations, patches, upgrades or routine monitoring/servicing.

  • Children's use of computers and tablets must be supervised by an adult at all times, and any games or apps used must be from a pre-approved selection.

  • Online searching and installing/downloading of new programmes and applications is restricted to authorised staff members only.

  • Personal staff tablets or laptops should not be used for any apps that record and store children’s personal details, attainment or photographs. Only devices belonging to the provision may be used for such activities, ensuring that any devices used are appropriately encrypted if taken off site.

  • Devices used by staff and users are protected from viruses, hacking, etc and are regularly updated and password protected.

  • All staff and users have individual passwords that are strong and regularly updated.

  • The famly app is not to be accessed by any staff out of the setting apart from the management team in cases of emergency.

Data storage and security

  • Personal data is safe and secure. It is understood by all staff and users and this ensures the safekeeping of personal data, minimising the risk of loss or misuse.

  • The organisation has a Personal Data policy and staff understand the need to ensure the safekeeping of personal data.

Reviewing practice

  • The organisation regularly reviews its practice in the light of emerging new technologies to ensure all users are safeguarded online

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