Online Safety
Our students are growing up in a world of ever-changing technology. While we feel that the use of technology is a largely positive aspect of modern life, we cannot ignore the risks that can be associated with the internet. At ODA, we strongly recommend that all students do not have their own smartphone. We do not believe primary age children are able to navigate the internet safely unsupervised. Students are therefore not allowed to bring phones or any other devices into school.
At ODA, we aim to teach children:
- about the impact of cyber-bullying and what to do if they have been affected.
- to be vigilant when communicating online recognising that people may not always be who they say they are and to be sensible about what they share.
- to tell an adult they trust if something is upsetting them.
- to question the reliability of information given through a web based source.
- to search responsibly for information while using internet browsers.
We understand that much of our students’ use of the internet will occur at home, away from the school filters. We ask parents / carers to attend the online safety workshops that we provide annually and flag to us any issues their child is experiencing with online safety so that we can support them.
Below is a list of useful websites, advice and resources that you may find helpful when navigating the issue of online safety with your child. At the bottom of this page are resources that your child can directly access as well to help them learn about online safety.
Smart Phones
At ODA, we have a clear and consistent stance on young children—particularly those of primary school age—owning smartphones, due to the well-documented risks and challenges they can present.
We have a strict no-phone policy in place for all our students, including our ODA Graduates who regularly come back to visit us and volunteer.
Home Learning Expectations
EYFS (Nursery and Reception)
Reading for 10 minutes daily
- 3 mins: child reads to adult (Phonics book when sent home - read every night until the next one is sent as repetition is important)
- 7 mins: free choice story book adult reads to child asking questions
Mathletics - 10 minutes daily (or 1,000 points weekly)
Tapestry
- Watch weekly video & complete ‘Tapestry Challenge’
- Upload own ‘wow’ moments from home
Boromi - sign up online
KS1 (Years 1 and 2)
Reading for 15 minutes daily
- 5 mins: child reads to adult (Phonics book when sent home - read every night until the next one is sent as repetition is important)
- 10 mins: free choice story book read together
Mathletics - 10 minutes daily (or 1,000 points weekly)
Knowledge Organisers - 3 minutes (mix the subjects over the week)
Spelling Task
Watch Home Learning Video
KS2: Years 3, 4 & 5
Reading - 20 minutes (can be independent, but better if children are reading aloud to help with unfamiliar words and understanding)
Mathletics - 10 minutes daily (or 1,000 points weekly)
TTRS - 5 mins (Garage & Sound Check)
Knowledge Organisers - 3 minutes (mix subjects over the week)
Spelling Task
Watch Home Learning Video
KS2: Year 6
Reading for 20 minutes (should mostly be independent, but at least once a week should be encouraged to read to an adult or older sibling)
Sats Companion
- complete weekly tasks set
- Explore other tasks they find tricky (including Science tasks)
TTRS - 5 minutes daily (garage section)
Knowledge Organisers - 3 minutes (mix subjects over the week)
Spelling Task
Watch Home Learning Video
Useful resources and links
Thinkuknow
Thinkuknow is an education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. Since 2006, it aims to ensure that everyone has access to this practical information – children, young people, their parents and carers and the professionals who work with them.
Internet Matters
A comprehensive web resource with a wide array of tips and advice on how to navigate the online world with your child. Some of their guidance we attach below but you can find even more by visiting the link.
National Online Safety
National Online Safety's mission is to make the internet a safer place for children. They aim to do this by equipping school staff, parents and children with the knowledge they need to understand online dangers and how best to react should an incident arise. The link above provides up to date information about a wide variety of social media apps and platforms your child might be using.
NSPCC
The NSPCC are the first to admit that the internet is amazing. Children can play, learn, create and connect - opening up a whole world of exciting possibilities. But with the digital world changing all the time, how can you make sure your child’s staying safe? That’s where the NSPCC come in. Whether you’re an online expert or you’re not sure where to start, their tools and advice will help you keep your child safe.
Childnet
Childnet International is a registered UK charity that aims to make the internet a safe place for children and young people. Packed with resources it is a great resource for parents.
CEOP
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) is part of the National Crime Agency and their website can be used to report if you are worried about online abuse or the way someone is communicating online.
BBC
The BBC have a website and app called Own It. The website has a lot of content for children to help them navigate their online lives, and the free smartphone app comes with a special keyboard which can intervene with help and support in the moments that children need it the most.
SafetoNet
SafeToNet is technology that educates children “in-the-moment” as they use their device. It is a safeguarding assistant that helps them become responsible and safe digital citizens. Its power lies in a smart keyboard that detects risks in real-time. It steers children away from trouble by filtering harmful outgoing messages before they can be sent and any damage can be done.
A guide to Apps & Social Media
The number of apps and social media channels your child could be exposed to grow all the time, as does an app's functionality. We recommend you visit Net Aware to read the latest and most current advice on over 70 apps to ensure you know what they do, how you can limit their features as well as recommended age restrictions.
The apps included are:
- Fortnite
- Snapchat
- YouTube
- Minecraft
- Clash of Clans & Clash Royale
- Kik
- Friv
- Dubsmash
- Wink
- YOLO
- TikTok
- And many, many more