Online Safety and Digital Policy

LoveSpring Nursery School - Protecting Children in the Digital World

1. Policy Aims

LoveSpring Nursery School is committed to ensuring robust online safety measures that protect children, staff, and our wider community while embracing the educational benefits of technology.

Our Digital Safety Commitment

We aim to:

Implement comprehensive processes to ensure online safety for all children and staff
Identify and support children who may be at greater risk online
Empower our community through education about safe technology use
Establish clear procedures for identifying, intervening and escalating online safety incidents

1.1 Four Key Risk Categories

Risk Category	Description	Early Years Examples
Content	Exposure to inappropriate or harmful material	Unsuitable videos, inappropriate advertising, scary images
Contact	Harmful interactions with other users	Stranger contact through shared devices, inappropriate messaging
Conduct	Personal online behaviour that causes harm	Inappropriate sharing, unkind messages between families
Commerce	Financial risks and inappropriate advertising	In-app purchases, targeted advertising to young children

2. Legislation and Statutory Framework

2.1 Legal Compliance

This policy complies with current legislation and guidance including:

Legislation/Guidance	Requirements
Early Years Foundation Stage	Safeguarding and welfare requirements for online safety
Keeping Children Safe in Education	Statutory safeguarding guidance adapted for early years
Data Protection Act 2018	Protection of children's digital information and images
Equality Act 2010	Equal access to digital resources and protection

2.2 Regulatory Standards

We maintain compliance with Ofsted requirements for online safety in early years settings, ensuring appropriate filtering, monitoring and staff training are in place to protect young children.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

3.1 Designated Roles

Role	Responsibilities
Nursery Manager	Overall responsibility for policy implementation and staff training
Designated Safeguarding Lead	Lead responsibility for online safety incidents and training
Digital Lead	Technical oversight of filtering, monitoring and system security
All Staff	Daily implementation, supervision, incident reporting
Parents/Carers	Partnership in online safety, home practice reinforcement

3.2 Staff Responsibilities

All staff must:

Complete annual online safety training
Supervise children closely during digital activities
Report any online safety concerns immediately
Model positive digital behaviour
Ensure appropriate content is used with children
Maintain security of devices and passwords

4. Educating Children About Online Safety

4.1 Age-Appropriate Digital Literacy

Age Group	Learning Objectives	Teaching Methods
2-3 years	Basic device handling, asking permission, simple rules	Stories, songs, supervised short activities
3-4 years	Recognising trusted adults, identifying worrying content	Role-play, circle time, visual prompts
4-5 years	Personal information protection, kind online behaviour	Games, discussions, puppet play

4.2 Key Safety Messages for Young Children

Always ask a grown-up before using tablets or computers
Tell a trusted adult if something worries or upsets you online
Be kind to others when using technology
Keep personal information private (name, address, photos)
Only use apps and websites that grown-ups say are okay

5. Parent Partnership and Education

5.1 Supporting Families

Parent Engagement Activities

Termly online safety workshops for parents
Regular newsletter updates on digital safety
Parent information sessions during settling-in periods
Shared resources and recommended apps list
One-to-one support for specific concerns

5.2 Recommended Resources for Parents

Resource	Focus Area	Access
NSPCC Online Safety	Age-appropriate guidance for under-5s	Website and helpline
UK Safer Internet Centre	Parent guides and conversation starters	Online resources
Childnet International	Early years digital literacy	Downloadable resources

6. Technology Use in Nursery

6.1 Digital Devices and Equipment

Device Type	Usage Guidelines	Supervision Requirements
Tablets/iPads	Educational apps only, limited screen time	Direct adult supervision at all times
Interactive Whiteboards	Group activities, shared learning experiences	Staff-led sessions with clear purpose
Digital Cameras	Learning journey documentation	Staff use only for child protection
Listening Devices	Music and story activities	Content pre-checked by staff

6.2 Prohibited Practices

We strictly prohibit:

Personal mobile phone use by staff in rooms with children
Children bringing personal devices to nursery
Unauthorized photographing or filming of children
Social media use during working hours
Sharing nursery devices with unauthorized users

7. Filtering and Monitoring Systems

7.1 Technical Safeguards

Safeguard	Implementation	Review Frequency
Content Filtering	Age-appropriate website blocking, app restrictions	Termly review and update
Monitoring Systems	Usage tracking, alert systems for concerning activity	Weekly monitoring reports
Device Management	Controlled app installation, time limits	Ongoing management
Security Software	Anti-virus, firewall protection, regular updates	Monthly security checks

7.2 Bypassing Procedures

Staff may only bypass filtering systems for specific educational purposes with:

Prior approval from the Digital Lead or Manager
Clear educational justification documented
Enhanced supervision during the activity
Post-activity review of content accessed

8. Incident Response and Management

8.1 Reporting Procedures

Immediate Action Steps

Secure: Immediately remove access to concerning content/device
Report: Inform Designated Safeguarding Lead without delay
Document: Complete incident report with specific details
Support: Provide appropriate support to affected children
Review: Investigate circumstances and implement improvements
Communicate: Inform parents where appropriate

8.2 Common Incident Types

Incident Type	Initial Response	Follow-up Action
Inappropriate Content Access	Close content, reassure child, inform DSL	Review filtering, staff training, parent communication
Unauthorized Device Use	Secure device, document circumstances	Staff supervision review, policy reinforcement
Data Security Breach	Isolate system, inform management	Security review, regulatory reporting if required
Social Media Incident	Document evidence, preserve content	Staff disciplinary if applicable, policy review

9. Staff Training and Competence

9.1 Training Programme

Training Type	Participants	Frequency
Induction Training	New Staff	On appointment
Annual Update	All Staff	Annually
Specialist Safeguarding	DSL and Deputies	Every 2 years
Technical Training	Digital Lead	As required for system updates
Emergency Response	All Staff	Termly refresher

9.2 Staff Competence Standards

All staff must demonstrate understanding of:

Online safety risks specific to early years
Appropriate content selection for young children
Incident reporting procedures
Supervision requirements for digital activities
Data protection responsibilities
Professional boundaries with technology use

10. Data Protection and Image Use

10.1 Photograph and Video Guidelines

Media Type	Usage	Consent Requirements
Learning Journeys	Individual child development records	Implied consent for educational purposes
Nursery Displays	Internal classroom displays	Specific parental consent
Website/Social Media	Marketing and community engagement	Explicit written consent
Staff Training	Professional development	Anonymised or specific consent

10.2 Security Measures

We implement strict security protocols including:

Encrypted storage of digital images and data
Password protection on all devices
Secure deletion of outdated material
Controlled access to sensitive information
Regular security audits and updates

Contact Information

Designated Safeguarding Lead: [DSL's Name]

Digital Safety Lead: [Digital Lead's Name]

Nursery Manager: [Manager's Name]

LoveSpring Nursery School: Coventry, CV1 5HA

Telephone: +44 (0)24 1234 5678

Email: safeguarding@lovespringnursery.co.uk

Emergency Contact: Available during nursery hours

Date of Policy: [Current Date]

Last Reviewed: [Current Date]

Next Review Due: [One year from current date]

Signed: _________________________

Position: Nursery Manager/Owner, LoveSpring Nursery School