News & Letters

Online Safety

At New Heights School, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our pupils by taking all reasonable measures to protect them from accessing unsuitable content online. To achieve this, we utilise the LGfL Filtering and Monitoring Systems to manage internet activity across all devices. Online safety is embedded within our curriculum to educate and protect our pupils. If you have any concerns or questions about online safety, please feel free to contact the school directly.

 

Online Safety at New Heights School

At New Heights School, we recognise the importance of keeping our pupils safe online and have implemented several measures to ensure their protection. All staff, visitors, and volunteers are expected to adhere to our online safety policies, which are aligned with our Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and Remote Learning AUP. These policies emphasise responsible use of technology and safeguard both pupils and staff from potential risks.

Commitment to Education and Monitoring

To foster a secure online environment, we provide regular training for staff on online safety and effective strategies to promote safe practices. Online safety is not just a technical matter but an integral part of our education programme. By embedding online safety into the curriculum, pupils learn how to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

Expectations for Staff and Visitors

All staff and visitors are required to ensure the privacy and security of school-related digital interactions. For example, any images or videos of pupils taken for educational purposes must be captured on school devices. Personal devices, including wearable technology, are allowed on the premises; however, they must have notifications turned off and remain the responsibility of the owner.

Online Safety in Remote Learning

We uphold specific guidelines for remote learning to maintain professionalism and safety during online interactions. This includes using neutral backgrounds, wearing appropriate clothing, and ensuring that live sessions are conducted in common household areas. To protect all participants, only authorised pupils can access live sessions, and recording sessions is encouraged for safeguarding purposes.

Reporting and Support

Any online safety concerns are to be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, eSafety Lead, or Headteacher. Concerns about staff misuse are handled with strict adherence to our disciplinary policies. For additional resources or support, parents and staff can access trusted platforms such as CEOP and Think U Know.

Together, we strive to create a safe and empowering online experience for all members of the New Heights School community.

Some Useful Websites

Our Commitment 

At New Heights School, we prioritise online safety by offering ongoing training to staff on emerging online safety challenges and the school’s comprehensive education programme. During induction, all new staff receive a detailed information booklet, alongside the school’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and Remote Learning AUP, to ensure clarity and understanding of our expectations.

Raising Online Safety Concerns

Any concerns regarding online safety must be reported promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, eSafety Lead, or Headteacher on the same day they arise. Concerns related to staff misuse will be directed to the Headteacher. If the issue involves the Headteacher, it will be escalated to the Chair of Governors and the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer). Misuse of technology or accessing inappropriate content will be addressed as part of the school’s disciplinary procedures.

Guidelines for Staying Safe
  • If you receive a friend request from a pupil, notify the Designated Safeguarding Lead, eSafety Lead, or Headteacher immediately.
  • Do not post images or videos of pupils online unless it is through platforms managed by the school.
  • Photographs taken for educational purposes must always be captured on school-provided devices.

By following these guidelines, we ensure a secure and respectful digital environment for both staff and pupils.

Your Responsibility

As a valued member of the New Heights School community, you play an essential role in maintaining a safe and responsible digital environment.

  • I will exercise all necessary precautions to ensure online safety and apply sound judgement when using learning resources.
  • I will act responsibly when working with pupils, such as reviewing websites beforehand and using age-appropriate search engines.
  • I will actively promote safe internet practices to pupils.
  • I will connect only to secure and authorised wireless networks.
  • I accept full responsibility for any computer, laptop, or mobile device provided by the school, ensuring it is used exclusively for professional purposes.
  • I will be the sole user of school-issued devices and will not share access with others.
  • I will store my laptop securely and out of sight when not in use at school.
  • I will never leave my device unattended while logged in and will always either shut it down or lock the screen with a password.
  • I will ensure all pupils use their individual login credentials and log off when finished using school systems.
  • I will adhere strictly to the school’s policies governing IT and communication systems, as outlined in the acceptable use policy.

Behaviour Expectations for Remote Sessions

  • Staff Conduct: Staff will demonstrate safe practices and moderate behaviour online, mirroring the professional standards expected in the classroom.

  • General Behaviour: All participants must adhere to existing school policies and expectations, including:

    • Using appropriate language during sessions.
    • Staff refraining from taking or recording images for personal use.
    • Staff reminding attendees of behaviour expectations and reporting mechanisms at the start of each session.

  • Video and Live Streaming Guidelines:

    • All participants must wear appropriate clothing.
    • Video backgrounds should be neutral.
    • Personal information and/or unsuitable items must not be visible on screen or in video backgrounds.

  • Resource Sharing: Educational resources used or shared during sessions will comply with the school’s teaching and learning policies, ensuring adherence to licensing and copyright regulations.

Session Management Guidelines

  • Attendance Tracking: Staff will record attendance for all sessions.

  • Privacy and Safety Settings: To ensure a secure and controlled environment, the following measures will be implemented:

    • Use of language filters and limited chat functions.
    • Learners will not be permitted to share screens.
    • Meeting IDs will be kept private, and waiting rooms will be used to manage access.

  • Communication Platforms: Live streaming with learners will only occur via year group remote email accounts and ClassDojo.

  • Audio and Video Controls: Staff will manage learners’ ability to mute or disable their videos and microphones.

  • Safeguarding Recordings: If only one member of staff is present, the session will be recorded for safeguarding purposes.

  • 1-to-1 Sessions: These will only be conducted with prior approval from the Headteacher or a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).

  • Session Expectations: A pre-agreed letter detailing session expectations will be sent to participants beforehand.

  • Access Link Security:

    • Access links must not be made public or shared by participants.
    • Learners and/or parents/carers are prohibited from forwarding or sharing access links.

  • Supervised Learning Spaces: Learners are encouraged to attend lessons in shared or communal spaces with an open door and/or under supervision by a parent, carer, or another suitable adult.

  • Inclusive Access: Alternative approaches or resources will be provided for learners without suitable access to technology or the internet.

Data Protection and Security

  • Personal Data Handling: Any personal data used by staff for remote learning will be processed and stored in accordance with the school’s data protection policy and with appropriate consent.

  • Confidentiality Standards: Remote learning and online communications will adhere to school confidentiality expectations as outlined in the behaviour and remote learning policies.

  • Session Recording Notification: All participants will be informed if live sessions are being recorded. This will only occur when a single teacher is present, as a safeguarding measure.

  • Recording Restrictions: Staff are strictly prohibited from recording lessons or meetings using personal devices under any circumstances.

  • Platform Security: Access to platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet will be managed in line with the school’s e-safety policy, including:

    • Use of strong passwords.
    • Logging off or locking devices when not in use.
    • Following all IT security guidelines to maintain secure access and interactions.

Policy Breaches and Reporting Concerns

  • Reporting Concerns: Participants are encouraged to report any concerns during remote or live-streamed sessions directly to the member of staff running the session.

  • Addressing Inappropriate Behaviour:

    • If inappropriate language or behaviour occurs, staff will remove the participants involved, and the session may be terminated.
    • Such concerns will be escalated to a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).

 

  • Policy Alignment: Inappropriate online behaviour will be addressed in accordance with existing policies, including:

    • Acceptable use of technology.
    • Allegations against staff.
    • Code of conduct.
    • Anti-bullying and behaviour policies.

 

  • Sanctions: Deliberate misuse may result in:

    • Restricting or removing access to online learning platforms.
    • Contacting the police if a criminal offence has occurred.

 

  • Safeguarding Concerns: Any safeguarding issues will be reported to Mrs. S. Evans, the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), in line with the school’s child protection policy.

Leadership Oversight & Approval

  • Approved Platforms: Live remote learning sessions will be conducted Google Classroom, Google Meet and/or Zoom.

  • Professional Accounts: Staff will only use school-managed, approved professional accounts when communicating with learners and parents/carers. Personal accounts are strictly prohibited for this purpose.

  • Pre-Existing Relationships: Any pre-existing relationships or situations that prevent compliance with these rules must be discussed with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

  • Work-Provided Equipment: Staff will only use school-issued equipment, such as laptops, tablets, or other mobile devices, for remote learning.

  • Operating Hours: Online contact with learners and parents/carers is restricted to within the following times: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

  • Timetabled Lessons: All live lessons will be formally scheduled, with members of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and the DSL permitted to drop in at any time.

  • SLT Approval: Live-streamed remote learning sessions will only take place with prior approval and agreement from the SLT.