ICT Policy and Procedures
Sandcastles recognises the important role it has in educating children to stay safe online. We also raise awareness of internet safety for parents and carers by directing them to information websites updated with information for latest apps/sites (see end of policy for links).
Digital technologies have become integral to the lives of children and young people. The internet and other digital and information technologies are powerful tools, which open new opportunities for everyone. Children / young people, staff and volunteers have a right to safer internet access.
Some of the dangers/risks include –
- Access to illegal, harmful or inappropriate images or other content
- Grooming by those with whom they make contact on the internet.
- The sharing / distribution of personal images without an individual’s consent or knowledge
- Inappropriate communication / contact with others, including strangers.
- Cyber-bullying
- Access to unsuitable video / internet games
- Hacking, viruses and system security
- Loss of privacy / control of personal information
- An inability to evaluate the quality, accuracy and relevance of information on the internet
- The potential for excessive use which may impact on the social and emotional development and learning of the young person.
- Plagiarism and copyright infringement
- Illegal downloading of music or video files
E-Safety
This is in relation to electronic communications of all types. The internet is a resource to support teaching and learning to access life-long skills. It is important for children to learn e-safety from an early age. Our practitioners guide children with online activities accessed on all devices within our setting ensuring that the websites comply with copyright law. Practitioners know it is their duty to report to management immediately if they discover unsuitable sites have been accessed on any of the devices. In this instance, filters will be reviewed. Our systems include appropriate filtering as a barrier to ensure children in our setting are not exposed to inappropriate information or materials.
The internet is used to support the professional work of staff, to support effective planning and to source resources. Staff know that unsuitable sites must not be accessed. A breach of this policy is gross misconduct by staff.
General data protection regulation (GDPR)
It is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers to take care when handling, using or transferring personal data to ensure it cannot be accessed by anyone who does not have permission to access that data or does not need to have access to that data. All practitioners sign a confidentiality agreement prohibiting them from sharing any personal information that they may be party to. The use of our registration software is restricted, and password protected. Any staff that are permitted to gain access to this software can do so for checking collection authorisation or retrieve personal information such as parent contact numbers.
Social Media
When using social networking sites staff must always maintain confidentiality. Staff are encouraged not accept personal invitations to be friends with parent/carers of the setting unless they are family members or pre-existing friends prior to the child starting at the setting. Staff are not to publish photographs or videos which may be perceived as inappropriate behaviour for a childcare professional anywhere in their personal profile. Staff must not write direct or indirect suggestive comments about work on their online profiles. Any breaches of social networking will result in disciplinary action which could result in dismissal. We strongly recommend that parent/carers do not send friend requests to staff on social networks.
Sandcastles operates an Instagram page to promote its services. The admin for this page follows all confidentiality and General Data Protection Regulations legislation. Children will only appear on these social media sites if parents have given permission to include them. No names of any children or practitioners will be published in any descriptions to maintain privacy. Parents have the right to refuse their child’s inclusion in any posts by informing us in writing. Staff members are permitted to share official Sandcastles posts to promote their services to the wider audience.
Staff / Visitors/Student and Volunteers Training/Awareness
Sandcastles’ staff receive thorough training in relation to IT matters detailed in this policy including training in safeguarding and the prevent duty and how the internet is used as a platform for radicalisation/terrorism.
Visitors to our setting are asked to read Health and Safety information prior to entering the setting which includes notifying all that we do not permit ‘the use of cameras and mobile phones’ for safeguarding purposes.
Use of mobile phones
We take steps to ensure that there are effective procedures in place to protect everyone. Personal mobile phones belonging to members of staff are always kept in the staff room and are not used during working hours. In the event of an emergency, personal mobile phones may be used in the privacy of the office with the manager’s permission.
A senior member of staff may take their own mobile phone to use in the case of an emergency on excursions out of the setting. In this situation, this information is logged as part of our risk assessment and staff know they are not permitted to make or receive personal calls or take photographs of the children. Staff that are dropping off or collecting children from school must also have a mobile with them for emergency use only. Parent/Carers and visitors to our setting are informed that the use of their mobile phone is prohibited whilst on our premises. If a visitor needs to contact their office, they will be escorted to a quiet place away from the children where they can use their mobile phone.
Cameras and videos
Photographs and recordings are taken to record children’s learning and development, for displays within the setting to demonstrate teaching and learning and to promote our provision through our social media pages. Sandcastles provides its own electronic devices for use. Images are strictly prohibited from being shared externally and are for use as described only. Staff are not permitted to bring their own cameras, tablets or any other electronic device to take photographs or recordings. Parent/Carers’ written consent is sought within our terms and conditions giving permission for photos of their children to be taken for the above purposes. Parent/carers can take digital / video images of their children at group special events unless management are aware of a specific safeguarding requirement to protect any child / family or any family would prefer for this not to happen. Photographs of the children that are used on our website have obtained parental consent to use the images.
enquries@saferinternet.org.uk
0844 800 2382
www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/