Casterton Primary Academy places online safety at the heart of its culture, recognising that children are growing up in a world where technology is constantly evolving. The school takes a proactive, whole‑community approach to helping pupils navigate the digital world with confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of personal responsibility. Through carefully planned lessons, age‑appropriate guidance, and ongoing communication with families, pupils learn how to stay safe, make informed choices, and use technology in positive and creative ways.

 

How we teach Online Safety

Online safety is woven into the curriculum from the earliest years, ensuring pupils build strong digital habits as they grow. Teaching focuses on practical skills and real‑life scenarios, including how to recognise risks, protect personal information, communicate respectfully, and seek help when something doesn’t feel right. Staff use a blend of classroom discussion, interactive activities, and trusted resources to keep learning engaging and relevant. This approach helps pupils understand not just what to do online, but why it matters.

 

Supporting pupils in a fast‑changing digital world

As technology advances, Casterton Primary Academy continually updates its practices to reflect new opportunities and emerging risks. Pupils benefit from:

• Regular digital literacy sessions that build confidence and critical thinking.
• Clear reporting routes so children know who to turn to if they are worried.
• Strong safeguarding systems that monitor and respond to online concerns swiftly.
• Partnerships with parents and carers, offering guidance so families can reinforce safe behaviours at home.
•  

A shared commitment to safety

Staff, pupils, and families work together to create a safe, supportive environment where children can explore technology responsibly. By combining education, vigilance, and open communication, Casterton Primary Academy ensures every pupil is equipped to thrive in a digital world - today and in the future.

 

How parents should raise an online safety concern

Parents have several clear and supportive routes to share a worry:

• Contact the class teacher - This is often the quickest first step. Teachers can listen to the concern, offer initial guidance and ensure it is passed to the appropriate safeguarding staff
• Speak directly with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) - If the concern involves potential harm, inappropriate contact, worrying online behaviour or anything that feels urgent, parents can go straight to the DSL or a member of the safeguarding team.
• Use the school office - For parents who prefer a formal route, the office can arrange a meeting, pass on information securely or ensure the right staff member follows up.
• Share any evidence - Screenshots, messages or descriptions of what happened help the school understand the issue clearly and take the right action.

 

What the school does once a concern is raised

Casterton Primary Academy responds with a structured safeguarding process designed to protect the child and support the family. This may include:

• Speaking with the pupil in a safe, reassuring way
• Assessing any potential risk and taking immediate protective steps if needed
• Offering guidance to parents on managing the issue at home
• Liaising with external agencies when appropriate
• Reviewing whether additional online safety teaching or support is needed for the class or wider school community

The school’s approach is rooted in confidentiality, professionalism and a commitment to acting in the child’s best interests at all times.

 

Why early communication matters

Online issues can escalate quickly, especially when children feel unsure or worried. By contacting the school as soon as something feels wrong, parents help ensure concerns are addressed before they grow. It also strengthens the partnership between home and school, which is central to keeping pupils safe in a fast‑changing digital landscape.

 

Talk about online safety at home!

Between texting, chats, games, and social media, staying on top of your family’s digital safety can feel overwhelming. But empowering your children with information can help them stay safe online. Here are some things that might work for your family:

• Set limits for screen time. Install filters to protect your child from inappropriate websites.
• Keep tabs on your child’s internet use. Make sure you know what sites your child visits, how much time he or she spends on them, and whom your child is communicating with.
• Keep the conversation going. Stay involved as your child gets older and starts using the internet in new ways.
• Know any passwords that your child uses, and explain that they shouldn’t be shared with friends.
• Safety in numbers. Put the family computer in a public place so that being online becomes a group experience.
• Consider not allowing your child to have any connected devices, such as a smartphone, laptop computer, or tablet, in private areas of your home, like a bedroom or bathroom.

If you would like to read our Online Safety or Social Media policies, please click here

Below is a range of support for Online Safety, how to guides and advice.

Online Safety Guides