Is your schools ICT strategy safeguarding your pupils from online threats?

3rd Feb 2016

Although the UK is highly regarded as having some of the most effective e-safety practices globally, a March 2015 Ofsted survey has revealed that over 25% of secondary students cannot recall if they have been taught about online safety over the last 12 months. 9% of primary staff also believed that they had not had effective training in the 12 months prior to March 2015.

The speed at which technology is developing has created an environment that allows children greater access to online material than ever. Technology now also bears a heavy influence on modern teaching methods and online learning is becoming synonymous with the school curriculum. There is also acknowledgement that teachers have a responsibility to educate parents as well as children about the potential dangers that are present online.

The Department for Education (DfE) July 2015 statutory guidance Keeping children safe in education has clarified government expectations for e-safety in schools. This guidance has since been supported by the new September 2015 Ofsted common inspection framework which evaluates e-safety as a key measurement across all judgment areas.

A national, co-ordinated strategy between schools, local authorities and central government must therefore be delivered effectively in order to safeguard pupils and enable them to use the wealth of educational material available online. We must also equip children with the right skillset to use online resources in a safe, responsible manner.

Objectives
The Implementing Effective E-Safety Measures in Schools forum will offer delegates an opportunity to hear the latest guidance in e-safety best practice, as well as hear how authorities are acting and collaborating in a fast-changing online landscape to prevent children from harm. Delegates will also be provided with the latest advice and guidance on how to guarantee excellent standards of e-safety upon inspection going forward as online learning becomes embedded within the curriculum.

Audience
Delegates who will have an interest in this forum will include head teachers, heads of ICT, ICT managers, school improvement advisors, heads of e-learning, e-safety officers, heads of curriculum, directors of student support, governors and senior teachers and will be drawn from schools, local authorities, the police and the private and voluntary sectors.

Confirmed Morning Keynote - Will Gardner, Chief Executive, Childnet International and Board Member, UK Council for Child Internet Safety. Mr Gardner will discuss "Co-Ordinating Effective Provision for E-Safety in Schools"

Raising the need to create the opportunity for pupils to be taught about safeguarding as part of a broad and balanced curriculum
Conducting exhaustive internet safety research to predict what online challenges lie ahead
Equipping teachers with new guidance to help them discuss online behaviour as part of PSHE provision
Ensuring all children groups, such as early years, SEN and disadvantaged students are equally accommodated for in e-safety provision
Using ‘Safer Internet Day’ on the 9th February as a springboard to raise awareness about the online dangers
Looking forward and understanding the challenges the evolving technological landscape will bring as it mainstreams with school learning

Also confirmed
NAACE
The Marie Collins Foundation
Northamptonshire County Council
Plymouth University

Book online Or call on 020 3770 6580. View the full agenda here