E-Safety
Digital Safety and Citizenship
At The Mead, digital safety is an integral part of our Computing curriculum and is taught progressively from Reception to Year 6. We aim to equip children with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully, both in school and beyond.
Our curriculum draws upon the nationally recognised
Common Sense Education Digital Citizenship Curriculum, which helps pupils develop a strong understanding of online safety, privacy, media balance, digital footprints, cyberbullying, online relationships and responsible participation in digital communities. These themes are revisited throughout the school so that learning is age-appropriate and builds over time.
Online safety is also embedded within the Teach Computing Curriculum, enabling children to explore real-life digital scenarios while developing computing knowledge and skills. Pupils learn how to evaluate online information, protect personal data, communicate respectfully and understand how technology affects their lives.
We reinforce key messages through the SMART rules (www.childnet.com), which provide children with memorable guidance for staying safe online. Pupils are encouraged to:
- Safe: Keep personal information private.
- Meeting: Never meet online contacts without a trusted adult.
- Accepting: Be careful when accepting files, messages or requests.
- Reliable: Check whether online information is trustworthy.
- Tell: Speak to a trusted adult if something online causes concern.
Each year, we actively participate in Safer Internet Day, joining schools across the UK in celebrating the positive use of technology and promoting important conversations about online safety.
By combining explicit teaching, regular discussion and practical experiences, we help children become thoughtful digital citizens who can enjoy the benefits of technology while recognising risks and making safe, informed choices. Working in partnership with families, we aim to foster a culture where children feel confident to ask questions, seek support and use technology responsibly throughout their lives.