Computing and E-Safety
💻 What Does Computing Look Like at St Michael & All Angels?
Computing at St Michael’s aims to equip pupils with the knowledge and skills to use technology safely, responsibly, and effectively. Our goal is to prepare them with digital competencies they can carry forward beyond their time with us. We want pupils to understand the concept of a digital footprint and recognise their duty of care, to themselves and to others, when engaging with technology.
🛡️🌐 Online Safety at St Michael & All Angels
At St Michael & All Angels, safeguarding children is our highest priority. As part of your child's education, we teach them how to use technology safely, responsibly and confidently in an ever-changing digital world. Online safety is woven throughout our curriculum, including Computing, PSHE and Collective Worship, using age-appropriate resources that help children make informed and sensible choices online.
📅 Each February, we take part in Safer Internet Day, providing dedicated opportunities for pupils to explore key online safety themes. We also invite parents and carers into school to develop their own understanding of online safety and learn how to support children in navigating the digital world safely.
👩💻 What Do Children Learn?
🧸 Early Years Foundation Stage
Children begin by learning the importance of kindness, respect and good manners when using technology. They develop an understanding of what information is safe to share and who they can talk to if they feel worried.
🚦 Key Stage 1
Children learn the SMART Rules for staying safe online, develop positive online behaviours and gain an understanding of how to keep personal information secure. They also learn the importance of speaking to a trusted adult if something online makes them feel uncomfortable.
💻 Key Stage 2
Pupils build a deeper understanding of online safety, including safe emailing, responsible use of social media and online communication, protecting their digital footprint and safely sharing images and videos online.
Below, you can explore our Computing in a Nutshell overview, which provides a snapshot of how computing is taught across St Michael & All Angels and the journey our children take to become confident, creative and responsible digital learners.
📱 Supporting Learning Through Technology
To support learning both in school and at home, each child is provided with a Google Chrome account, as outlined in the information shared with parents. These accounts allow pupils to access learning resources and complete work from any device.
🔒 Robust safeguards are in place, including restricted email access and filtered websites whilst pupils are in school, ensuring technology is used safely and appropriately.
🤝 Working Together to Keep Children Safe
The online world evolves rapidly, and new risks emerge all the time. We are committed to keeping parents informed by sharing guidance, updates and alerts whenever relevant issues arise.
Alongside our curriculum, we regularly hold popular Online Safety Workshops and Information Events to support families and encourage open conversations about staying safe online.
❤️ Need Support?
If you have any questions about online safety or wish to discuss a safeguarding concern, please contact one of our Designated Safeguarding Leaders: Mrs Berry & Mrs Westby
Together, we can ensure that every child develops the knowledge, confidence and resilience to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
We teach pupils about the SMART rules and ask them to follow these when online.
