Internet Access Policy

INTERNET ACCESS POLICY

Why is Internet access important?

The purpose of Internet access in schools is to raise educational standards, to support the professional work of staff and to enhance the school’s management information and business administration systems.

Access to the Internet is a necessary tool for staff and an entitlement for students who show a responsible and mature approach. It should be noted that the use of a computer system without permission or for a purpose not agreed by the school could constitute a criminal offence under the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

What are the benefits to the school?

·  Inclusion in the Keswick School Wide Area Network.

·  LA Portal.

·  Scholarpack MIS for admin and E5 for finance.

·  Virtual Learning environment

·  Communication with parents/governors and other interested persons.

·  Access to world-wide educational resources for both pupils and teachers.

·  Inclusion in government initiatives such as National Primary Frameworks

·  Information and cultural exchanges between students locally (Intranet), nationally and world-wide.

·  News and current events.

·  Discussion with experts in many fields for pupils and staff.

·  Staff professional development – access to educational materials and good curriculum practice and On-line training.

·  Collaboration with other teachers in the consortium.

·  Communication with the advisory and support services, professional associations and colleagues.

·  Exchange of data with the LA and DFE.

How will the risks be assessed?

·  In common with other media such as magazines, books, Video, DVD’s, U-tube etc. and video, some material available via the Internet is unsuitable for pupils. The school will supervise pupils and take all reasonable precautions to ensure that users access only appropriate material. In addition, the school’s network is protected by BT Lancashire and filtering at Keswick School. Due to the international scale and linked nature of information available via the Internet, it is not possible to guarantee that particular types of material will never appear on a terminal. The school cannot accept liability for the material accessed, or any consequences thereof.

·  Methods to quantify and minimise the risk will be reviewed.

·  The Headteacher will ensure that the policy is implemented effectively.

How will Internet access be authorised?

·  Internet access is a necessary part of planned lessons. It is an entitlement for pupils based on responsible use.

·  At Key Stage 1, access to the Internet will mostly be by teacher or adult demonstration. Pupils will access teacher-prepared materials, rather than the open Internet.

·  At Key Stage 2, Internet access may be granted to a whole class as part of the scheme of work, after a suitable introduction to the rules for responsible Internet use. However the access is through the Keswick School Intranet. Children are closely monitored when they are searching the Internet.

·  Before using the Internet in school, children should have the Internet Acceptable Use Policy explained to them carefully.

·  Children accessing the Internet will be required to sign an Internet Acceptable use policy. Their parents are also required to sign the policy.

How will the security of the school ICT system be maintained?

·  The security of the whole system will be reviewed with regard to threats to security from Internet access.

·  Personal data will not be sent over the Internet.

·  Use of CDs or memory pens will be reviewed. Personal CDs, DVD’s or memory pens may not be brought into school without specific permission.

·  Use of E-mail to send attachments should be used wisely.

How will the school ensure Internet use provides effective learning?

·  Internet access will be planned to enrich and extend learning activities as an integrated aspect of the curriculum.

·  Pupils will be given clear objectives for Internet use.

·  Pupils will be provided with lists of relevant and suitable Web sites.

·  Pupils will be educated in taking responsibility for Internet access.

·  Pupils will be informed that checks can be made on files held on the system.

·  Pupils using the Internet will be supervised appropriately.

How will pupils be taught to assess Internet content?

·  Pupils will be taught to validate information before accepting it as true, an important aspect of higher levels of subject teaching.

·  When copying materials from the Web, pupils will observe copyright.

·  Pupils will be made aware that the writer of an E-mail or the author of a Web page may not be the person claimed.

·  Pupils will be encouraged to tell a teacher immediately if they encounter any material that makes them feel uncomfortable.

How will E-mail be managed?

·  Older KS2 pupils are expected to use E-mail.

·  Communications with persons and organisations will be managed to ensure appropriate educational use and that the good name of the school is maintained.

·  The forwarding of chain letters is banned. Children are unable to forward multiple emails through the Keswick WAN.

How will publishing on the Web be managed?

·  The headteacher will be responsible for the Web site including delegating editorial responsibility to a responsible person to ensure that content is accurate and quality of presentation is maintained.

·  The point of contact on the Web site will be the school address and telephone number. Home information or individual E-mail identities will not be published.

·  Photographs of identifiable individual pupils will not be published on the Web site. Group photographs must not have a name list attached.

·  Pupils whose parents have made such a request will not appear on the website at all.

How will the school ensure Internet access is appropriate and safe?

·  Staff will check that the sites selected for pupil use are appropriate to the age and maturity of pupils.

·  Staff will monitor the effectiveness of Internet access strategies.

How will complaints be handled?

·  Responsibility for handling incidents will be given to the headteacher.

·  If staff or pupils discover unsuitable sites, the URL (address) and content will be reported to the Internet Service Provider via Keswick School technicians.

How will staff, pupils and parents be kept informed?

·  Rules for Internet access will be posted near computer systems.

·  All staff who may be using the Internet, including teachers, supply staff, classroom assistants and support staff, have to sign the Internet Access Policy.

·  All pupils (Yr2 upwards) have to sign the Internet Access Agreement. This agreement is to be countersigned by their parents.

·  All staff have to sign an Internet Access Agreement.

How will parents’ support be enlisted?

·  A careful balance between informing and alarming parents will be maintained.

·  Information for parents will be organised from time to time to encourage a partnership approach.

Person responsible: K. Horder:

Approved by Governors: March 15 Review date: Feb 18

THRELKELD PRIMARY SCHOOL

Rules for Responsible Internet Use

The school has installed computers with Internet access to help our learning. These rules will keep you safe and help us be fair to others.

·  I will not bring in CDs or memory pens from outside school unless I have been given permission

·  I will ask permission from a member of staff before using the Internet.

·  I will only E-mail people I know, or my teacher has approved.

·  The messages I send will be polite and responsible.

·  I will not give my home address or telephone number, or arrange to meet someone, unless my parent, carer or teacher has given permission.

·  I will report any unpleasant material or messages sent to me. I understand this report would be confidential and would help protect other pupils and myself.