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Safeguarding Children and Anti Bullying Policies This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Children are encouraged to be SMART online
Link to further advice on internet safety and the use of Ask.fm The school has a Safeguarding Children Policy and other procedures in place which we refer to in our prospectus. All staff (including supply staff, volunteers and governors) must ensure that they are aware of these procedures. Parents and carers are welcome to download and read the new Model Safeguarding Children Policy 2012 which is waiting for approval by the Governors. The current policy can be downloaded Safeguarding Children Policy for BHMS . Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child’s welfare. We will ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with his/her parents/carers first - unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child’s welfare. All volunteers are given the leaflet "BHMS Safeguarding advice for Volunteers & Visitors" which explains their responsibilities. Pupils also spend a lot of time on line at home. The attached letter on "online safety" was sent to all parents. This letter provides a summary of a recent survey on children's on-line profile and use of social networks as well as reminder that this now covers mobile phones and other hand sets. Behaviour Policy This school also has an general policy on "Promoting Positive Behaviour" with an appendix on "Rewards and Sanctions". Anti Bullying You can view a copy of the School's general Anti Bully Policy and also the school's specific Anti Cyber Bullying Policy. Internet safety and the school's "Acceptable use policy" You can view a copy of the School's Acceptable Use Policy for computers and the internet, the Anti Cyber Bullying Policy and the e-Safety Policy. Bredon Hill Middle School is working in conjunction with CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre). Teachers provide advice and guidance to pupils to enable them to make safe choices when online. Guidance from CEOP regarding the use of ASK.fm. If pupils or their parents come across any inappropriate use they can report it to CEOP by clicking on the button below.
Filtered content and websites The school computers are scanned for inappropriate content by Forensic Software. Access to the internet is limited by the Worcestershire Schools filter and Forensic Software. Messages are displayed when material is filtered. Forensic Software filters a large range of sites on content. Some of these sites discuss topics such as drugs but are specifically designed for children. If site is filtered the pupils will see the following text. On-line Advice for Parents Know what your children are doing online and who they are talking to. Ask them to teach you to use any applications you have never used. Keeping the computer in a family room means that you can share your child’s online experience - and that they are less likely to act inappropriately (i.e. via webcam). Help your children to understand that they should never give out personal details to online friends - personal information includes their messenger ID, email address, mobile number and any pictures of themselves, their family or friends. If your child publishes a picture or video online, anyone can change it or share it. Remind them that anyone may be looking at their images and one day a future employer could! If your child receives spam/junk emails and texts, remind them never to believe them, reply to them or use them. It is not a good idea for your child to open files that are from people they do not know. They will not know what they contain - it could be a virus, or worse - an inappropriate image or film. Help your child understand that some people lie online and, therefore, it is better to keep online mates online. They should never meet up with any strangers without an adult they trust. Always keep communication open for a child to know that it is never too late to tell someone if something makes them feel uncomfortable. Teach young people how to block someone online and how to report them if they feel uncomfortable. Websites: www.ceop.gov.uk , www.thinkuknow.co.uk , www.getnetwise.org, www.kidsmart.org.uk and tell your children to be SMART online |
