Microsoft 365Online Safety (E-Safety)
What is Online Safety?
Online Safety (also known as E-Safety or Internet Safety) means using the internet and digital technology in a safe, respectful, and responsible way. It helps children understand how to enjoy the online world while recognising the risks and knowing how to stay protected.
Whether they’re playing games, watching videos, chatting with friends, or doing schoolwork online, children need to learn how to make smart choices and know what to do if something doesn’t feel right.
Visit our policies page to view our E-Safety policy
CEOP
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) is here to help keep children safe from online sexual abuse and grooming.
If something has happened online that makes you feel worried, scared or unsafe, you can make a report directly to the CEOP Safety Centre by clicking the Click CEOP button. This could be something involving someone you know, or someone you've only met online. CEOP takes every report seriously and will do everything they can to help keep you safe.
In addition to reporting, the CEOP Education website offers helpful advice and information if something has happened online that you're unsure about.
Are you being bullied?
CEOP can’t respond to bullying reports, but if you're being bullied and need someone to talk to, Childline is here to help. You can speak to them in confidence by calling 0800 1111 or chatting online at childline.org.uk. No problem is too big or too small.
How is Online Safety taught at Eaton Valley?
At Eaton Valley, online safety is a key part of our Computing curriculum and wider school ethos. We begin teaching online safety in Early Years, and build on this knowledge every year as children progress through the school.
From Years 1 to 6, pupils start each academic year with a dedicated Online Safety unit in Computing. These lessons help children understand potential online risks and teach them how to stay safe and support others online. Throughout the year, children revisit these important topics through flashbacks, discussions, and cross-curricular activities to reinforce their learning.
We also take part in Safer Internet Day each year, celebrating safe and positive use of digital technology across the school.
E-Safety Council
To give pupils a voice in promoting online safety, we have an E-Safety Council made up of children from Years 2 to 6. These pupils meet regularly to:
- Discuss online safety issues
- Share important messages with their peers
- Help organise school-wide online safety events
Their involvement helps create a culture of responsibility and awareness throughout the school.
Safe Use of Technology in School
We take strong and practical steps to ensure children use technology safely while at school, here are some of the methods we use:
- Smart Internet Filtering: Our advanced filtering system automatically blocks access to websites that may contain inappropriate, harmful, or unsafe content.
- No Social Media Access: Children are not able to access social media platforms during the school day.
- Device Monitoring: We use monitoring tools to help ensure that all digital activity and content accessed on school devices is age-appropriate and safe.
These measures help create a secure digital environment where children can learn, explore, and grow with confidence.
Online Safety in Early Years
In Early Years, children begin to learn the basics of staying safe online in a fun and age-appropriate way. Through engaging stories like Smartie the Penguin and Digiduck’s Big Decision, they explore important messages about making safe choices when using technology.
Children learn:
- That they should always ask an adult for help if they see something online that makes them feel worried, upset, or confused.
- The importance of keeping passwords private and not sharing them with others—even friends.
These early lessons help build a strong foundation for safe and responsible digital behaviour as they grow.
Online Safety in Key Stage 1
In Key Stage 1, we begin building children's understanding of how to stay safe online in a fun, age-appropriate way. Pupils are introduced to our KS1 Acceptable Use Policy and the ‘SMART with a Heart’ rules, which help them learn how to make safe and kind choices when using technology.
With guidance from their class teacher, children explore key areas of online safety, including:
- Online Identity: Understanding what personal information is and why it should be kept private.
- Staying Safe Online: Recognising potential dangers and learning how to respond safely.
- Password Protection: Learning the importance of keeping passwords secret and secure.
- Safe Searching: Using child-friendly search engines to explore topics safely.
- Cyberbullying Awareness: Understanding what bullying online looks like and how to speak up.
- Digital Footprints: Discovering how online actions can leave a lasting trace.
- Getting Help: Knowing what to do and who to talk to if something online feels upsetting or confusing.
- Positive Online Behaviour: Learning how to communicate respectfully and responsibly with others online.
These lessons are woven into the curriculum through interactive activities, stories, and discussions, helping children develop the confidence to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
Online Safety in Key Stage 2
As children move into Key Stage 2, they build on their earlier learning and deepen their understanding of how to stay safe and responsible online. Pupils are introduced to the KS2 Acceptable Use Policy and continue to develop their knowledge of the ‘SMART with a Heart’ rules, helping them make thoughtful choices in the digital world.
With age-appropriate guidance, children explore a wide range of online safety topics, including:
- Sharing Information Online: Learning what is safe to share and what should stay private.
- Creating Strong Passwords: Understanding how to protect accounts and personal data.
- Cyberbullying: Recognising harmful behaviour online and knowing how to respond or seek help.
- Privacy Settings: Exploring how to use privacy tools to stay in control of their online presence.
- Safe Searching & Research: Using trusted search engines and learning how to avoid plagiarism.
- Social Media Awareness: Understanding age restrictions and the risks of sharing content.
- Consequences of Unsafe Behaviour: Discussing real-life scenarios and how poor choices can have lasting effects.
- Identifying Safe Websites: Learning how to spot secure and trustworthy sites.
- Digital Footprints: Exploring how online actions can shape their reputation and future opportunities.
These lessons are delivered through interactive activities, discussions, and real-world examples, helping children become confident, respectful, and informed digital citizens.
Supporting Online Safety at Home
Protecting children online at home is just as important as keeping them safe in school. While it might feel easier to block access or restrict devices, this approach doesn’t always prepare children for the digital world they’re growing up in.
The most effective way to support your child is by talking openly about the online world—its benefits, risks, and how to stay safe. Regular conversations help children feel confident to ask questions and share concerns.
Top Tips for Parents and Carers:
- Talk regularly about what your child is doing online and who they’re interacting with.
- Set clear boundaries around screen time and device use.
- Use parental controls and privacy settings to help manage access to content.
- Encourage critical thinking—ask your child what they would do if something online made them feel uncomfortable.
- Model good behaviour by using devices responsibly yourself.
- Stay informed about the apps, games, and websites your child uses.
Helpful Resources
For up-to-date advice, guides, and tools to support online safety at home, visit:
- ThinkUKnow – CEOP’s education site with resources for parents and children.
- Safer Internet Day – Tips, activities, and guidance to help families stay safe online.
https://www.internetmatters.org/
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/
https://www.saferinternet.org.uk
