At Middleforth we seek to promote the use of technology to enhance children's learning and to enable them to become masters of the technology they access rather than a slave to it. This is developed through the use of iPads, computers and other technology that enriches the learning the children are undertaking and provides a purpose for it.

A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and at Middleforth we endeavour to equip our children with the skills they will need for the future workplace. The core of computing is Computer Science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through information and communication technology.

E-safety is taught in every year group through our computing curriculum but also is an integral part of all use of technology within school. The children are taught about the dangers of improper use of the internet and how to respond if they do access something that is inappropriate as well as how to use these tools appropriately. This is done through our Purple Mash computing curriculum and PSHE activities around staying safe.  

Practical information

Please see our monthly on-line safety newsetters below.

At Middleforth we educate our children on online safety from an early age and this continues throughout school. We have a dedicated an Online Safety policy and Online Safety is incorporated into all areas of the curriculum where required.

Social Media & Video Games - We are aware that many of our children do regularly access online video games and some have access to social media apps/sites. The national online safety website offers parents practical adivce on many of the latest games and apps. This is around what they are, how they are used and how to use them safely. These include: Fortnite, Youtube, Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and many more...

Visit the following link. https://nationalonlinesafety.com/resources/platform-guides/

The Think You Know website offers families advice on setting up parental controls in your home depending on your service provider. Click on www.thinkuknow.co.uk for more information.

At home

Does your child have access to smart phones, tablets, computers, consoles or smart speakers?  

Please make sure you know what your child is doing online. It is important to remember that if you allow your child internet access at home, parental supervision is recommended. Also note mobile phones can have Internet access too, so it is not just on computers and laptops.

Have you made sure that the correct parental controls have been set up to help protect your child whilst using the device?

Example controls include setting the device so only age appropriate apps can be downloaded and the ability to disable in-app purchasing. 

Please look on the updated (2022) Parent Control Book, which can be downloaded below.  Please watch our Primary Online Safety Powerpoint for parents. 

For information on how to put in place controls for many devices and apps please click here.

Below are several imporatant messages and links for online safety messages.

TikTok

A few days ago I spent a rather disturbing half-an-hour on TikTok. I had heard of professionals using TikTok to help raise awareness of various topics, like psychologist Dr Julie Smith who quickly became a TikTok star posting her mental health tips.

I wondered whether they would be any value in using the platform to help schools share safeguarding tips for parents. This found me exploring my new TikTok account at 08.30am.

Wow! Clicking in to TikTok Live was worse than I had thought it would be. Some videos showed the windscreen view of traffic whilst drivers livestreamed their commute. Loads of videos showed women and girls putting on their make up. So far, so boring (at least to me).

Then there were a number of video streams that I think should concern us from a safeguarding perspective. Livestreams from the school bus, school playgrounds and even from tutor time in classrooms. There was even a group of primary aged boys trying to out swear each other while they waited for the bell. Although some of our online harm messages had got through to the youngsters, as their phone pointed downwards, to show four pairs of shoes.

Needless to say, it won't be a platform I'll be using any time soon.

Parents' Ultimate Guide to TikTok (Commonsense Media)
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/parents-ultimate-guide-to-tiktok

TikTok app safety – What parents need to know (Internet Matters)
https://www.internetmatters.org/hub/esafety-news/tik-tok-app-safety-what-parents-need-to-know/