Computing and E-Safety

Computing at Fox Hill Primary School

The National Curriculum for Computing aims to ensure that all pupils:

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
• can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology
• To help develop their skills and further their knowledge, the children use the internet in schools on iPads and desktops. 

We have introduced Purple Mash to develop our commuting curriculum which will hopefully develop and equip the children with foundation skills, knowledge and understanding of the increasingly technological world and computing that they will need for the rest of their lives. Here at Fox Hill, we have invested in Purple Mash- it has everything we need as teachers to deliver a unique, Edtech experience which is simple to use and loved by all. Ranging from inspiring our writers, extending our coders, or boosting creativity in the children, we believe Purple Mash will raise standards in computing at Fox Hill Primary School.

Throughout all years, children are introduced to the skills of computing, including how to use technologies, how to write new computer programs but importantly how to keep themselves safe. We are aware that children can’t be kept in a perfectly safe computing bubble, recognising the need to allow them to engage with computing and computers but also providing them with the tools and the knowledge to become E-SAFE.

E-Safety at Fox Hill Primary School

Today, children grow up in a world surrounded by technology. They are everywhere, no matter where we go there is no escaping their reach- from the toys they play with to the devices they use for learning. Computers are now a part of everyday life, and at times, essential at home and at work. It helps us keep in touch with friends, helps our education and allows advances in learning, and can simply just be used for entertainment. Unlike many adults, children are not fazed by computers and smart devices and accept them as part of their way of life. However, because we live in a digital world, e-safety must be an integral part of children’s education. We must always be careful when using the internet because it can also cause harm- to us and to others.

As a school, we have embedded about the importance of staying safe online in their learning at school. We need to teach children safe practices and how to make good decisions about the responsible use of technology.

SMART Rules

Tips for staying safe online:

• Try to use websites that can be trusted, if you aren't sure ask an adult. 
• Remember to keep your personal information safe. No-one online needs to know anything about you, they are strangers. 
• Think- if it seems too good to be true it usually is. Again if you aren't sure ask an adult. 
• Make sure you keep new online friends strictly online. If someone you don't know asks to be your online friend you must ensure an adult knows about it.
• Know how to use the CEOP Button and how to report it to the CEOP Centre if you are concerned about someone’s online behaviour towards you.

What can you do as parents?

As a parent, you’ll know how important the internet is to children. They use it to learn, play, socialise and express themselves. It’s a highly creative place of amazing opportunities. However, it may seem daunting and worrying about the risks your child/ren face online- such as bullying, contact from strangers or even the possibility of them seeing illegal or inappropriate content. As a parent, you can help your child, and yourself, become more e-safe by keeping up-to-date with technology and the issues surrounding them.

At home, sometimes children can be given unsupervised access to the Internet. This, potentially, allows them to access all kinds (both good and bad) and bring them virtually into their homes.

Here are some conversation starter ideas from www.childnet.com

• Ask your children to tell you about the sites they like to visit and what they enjoy doing online.
• Ask them about how they stay safe online. What tips do they have for you, and where did they learn them? What is OK and not OK to share?
• Ask them if they know where to go for help, where to find the safety advice, privacy settings and how to report or block on the services they use.
• Encourage them to help. Perhaps they can show you how to do something better online or they might have a friend who would benefit from their help and support.
• Think about how you use the internet as a family. What could you do to get more out of the internet together and further enjoy your lives online.

We want to help our parents to improve their own understanding of e-safety issues so they can learn to use the internet and all digital media in a safe, secure way. There are very good websites that offer information on how to keep e-safe online. Please see the following links:

Childnet

An organisation working directly with children, parents and teachers to ensure that the issues of online child protection and the safe and positive use of the internet are addressed.  Find great ideas on staying safe gaming and how to set parental controls too.

Think you know

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre has set up its own website which has been designed and written specifically for children, young people, teachers, parents and carers. This site has information, games and videos matched to different ages of children and for parents too. It is a very good site but please ensure your child is on the correct age setting.

Kidsmart

Kidsmart is an award winning internet safety website for parents and those working with children. It has been developed by the children’s internet charity Childnet International and has excellent information on many of the technologies used by children, with guidance on how to ‘stay safe’ online.

Internet Matters

Lots of guidance and articles for parents about keeping their children safe online.

For more information, you can download our E-safety policy.

Apps

As parents, we know that you are eager to support your child with their learning as much as you can. Hopefully, some of these apps will help you continue to support your children at home within an engaging and enjoyable context.

YouTube Kids

Exclusively made and curated for kids, Youtube Kids offers educational videos and entertainment content to inspire and enhance young minds. It's one of the best learning apps for kids out there, as it offers them an easy way to watch their favourite shows. Moreover, they can explore anything that captures their imagination. This app is available for free use, simple to handle, and offers kids-oriented and family-friendly videos.

Science360

This is an app created by the National Science Foundation. It is exclusively built for tablet users only to showcase advanced science, engineering news images, and videos for children. All content available is authentic, high-quality, and updated every week. The content is also produced by the NSF or gathered from scientists and universities around the world. The cool 360-degree view allows kids to explore 3D images from every angle.

DK 10 Minutes A Day Times Tables
This app is a fun way for your children to practise all of their times tables. There are options for individual tables, mixed tables and in order or out of order tests. The aim is to beat the other car in a race!

Multiple Wipeout
This app is another fun way to support your child(ren) in learning their times tables and division facts which are fundamental skills! Pop the balloons in response to the asked questions.
 

Chatterkid
This app allows you to bring everyday objects to life! Want your children to check their calculations? Get them to take a picture of it and explain how they did it! Trying to remember how to spell something? Get the app to record a way to help!
 

Photomath
If you want to check your children’s calculations quickly? Simply take a photo of the calculation and voila! Not only will it give the answer but also take you through step-by-step of how it was solved! Maths made easy… Simple Mind + This app is a digital way to create mind maps. It is simple to use and can help children to organise their ideas in logical, clear colourful ways.

Age restrictions for Social Media

Are you aware of the age restrictions on social media platforms?