E-Safety

Trentham Academy receives an award for E-Safety

Assessors from the South West Grid for Learning recently visited Trentham Academy to review the Academy’s e-safety provision. The Assessors met school staff, parents and carers, Governors and students and were pleased to find that the school provides a high level of protection for users of the new technologies.

During the review, schools are expected to show that they have provided a high standard of e-safety education and awareness for all staff, students and also for parents and carers, to ensure that these users of the new technologies can be safe online – whether they are in school, in their homes or out and about using mobile phones or other handheld devices.

Following their visit the Assessors reported that “There is clear and consistent leadership of e-safety, with obvious commitment from the Head, senior leaders, Head of Computing and Governors.”

They also recognised on the hard work put in by the student E-Safety Committee in working with all stakeholders of the Academy. It was commented that, “Student involvement is paramount to the success of the e-safety culture in the school. Their involvement and commitment to weekly meetings, sharing content is excellent. They are a real credit to the school and should be highly commended.”

Finally, the Academy was commended on the use of technology by all pupils and stated “The development of the Bring Your Own Device scheme is a major strength, often educating students to make informed decisions on the use technology. Examples were shared by both staff and students on the impact of such technology.”

Ron Richards, Lead Assessor for the 360 degree safe E-Safety Mark congratulated the school on its success and commented that it was re-assuring to know that the school had put a lot of thought and effort into improving the on-line safety of the staff and young people, by addressing these important safeguarding issues.

The South West Grid for Learning Trust provides the Internet connection and a range of other services to schools across the SW region and is in the forefront of national developments in e-safety. To enhance these services, they have developed a tool to help schools address e-safety issues, not least the changes to Ofsted inspections, which include a stronger focus on safeguarding. The online tool allows schools to evaluate their e-safety policy and practice and then suggests how the school might do more to protect young people and staff.

To apply for the 360 degree safe E-Safety Mark, schools have to reach a series of benchmark levels when they complete the online self review. The evidence is then verified by a visit from experienced Assessors.