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POLICY INFORMATION

The purpose of this policy statement is to:

• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is paramount when adults, young people or children are using the internet, social media or online devices.
• Provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to online safety.
• Ensure that, as an organisation, we operate in line with our values and within the law in terms of how we use online devices.

Paint Pots accepts that in the 21st Century the internet and social media are inherent to people’s lives and important for sharing information as well as a learning tool. We recognise and have an appreciation for technology, including the use of online resources and use this to learn, celebrate achievements and for marketing and recruitment purposes. It is fundamental to the smooth running of our business. However we are also aware that this global network comes with its own risks.. Children should be able to use the internet for education and personal development, but safeguards need to be in place to ensure they are kept safe at all times. It is important that all staff know that any online concerns are reported in line with Paint Pots Safeguarding Procedures and reported to the setting DSL as soon as possible.

We recognise that:

• The online world provides everyone with many opportunities; however it can also present risks and challenges.
• Paint Pots has a duty to ensure that all children, young people and adults involved in our organisation are protected from potential harm online.
• We have a responsibility to help keep children and staff safe online, whether or not they are using Paint Pots network and devices.
• Working in partnership with children, staff, parents/carers and other agencies is essential in promoting children’s welfare and in helping them to be responsible in their approach to online safety.
• All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.

We therefore set out the following guidelines to protect our children, staff and parents who use the setting.

• Staff are permitted to use the internet on the nursery tablets providing it is for the educational benefit of the children. This may be for gathering information, media or to use an age appropriate learning programme.
• Staff members must obtain prior approval from their manager before using the internet for personal use. They are required to inform the manager of the intended use to receive consent.
• Staff may access the internet for personal use via their personal Smart phones in their own time and only during their staff breaks. If available, personal devices for staff should be connected to the Paint Pots guest network for the setting and enrolled in content filtering to prevent access to inappropriate content.
• Settings should appoint an online safety coordinator in each nursery/preschool and this person should monitor tablets monthly and delete any unnecessary content. Any tablets not functioning correctly- smashed screens, unpredictable behaviour etc- should be reported to the business manager.
• Children will be supervised at all times whilst accessing technology and will have no access to the internet. Children will have no unsupervised access to any online capable device such as a laptop or tablet.