Online Safety

Kings Ash Academy Online Safety Statement

1. Statement of Intent

Kings Ash Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils. Online safety forms a fundamental part of this commitment.

We recognise that technology plays a significant role in pupils’ lives both in and out of school, and we aim to ensure that pupils are able to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully.

This statement should be read alongside the academy’s safeguarding information and trust policies:

• Safeguarding Information – Kings Ash Academy [kingsashacademy.org]
• TSAT Trust Policies Hub [kingsashacademy.org]

2. Trust Policy Framework

As part of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, the academy implements a suite of trust-wide policies that collectively underpin online safety.

Key policies include:

• ICT Acceptable Use Policy (Trust-wide) – available via:
  TSAT ICT Acceptable Use Policy (example hosted at KAA) [kings-school.co.uk]
• ICT Monitoring Policy
• Information Security Policy
• Mobile Device Policy
• Social Media Policy
• Student 1:1 Device / BYOD policies

All of these are accessible centrally here:
View all TSAT policies [kingsashacademy.org]

These policies apply to all TSAT academies and establish expectations for safe, secure and appropriate use of technology.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

Governing Body / Trust

• Oversees safeguarding arrangements, including online safety, through trust governance and policy review

Headteacher and Senior Leaders

• Ensure that online safety is embedded within safeguarding and curriculum provision
• Ensure filtering and monitoring systems are effective

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

• Leads on safeguarding, including online safety
• Manages incidents and referrals
• Liaises with external agencies where required

Staff

• Model safe and responsible use of technology
• Report concerns in line with safeguarding procedures

Pupils

• Use technology in line with academy expectations and acceptable use

Parents and Carers

• Work in partnership with the academy
• Access support and guidance via:
  • KAA E‑Safety guidance page [learning.n...pcc.org.uk]

4. Filtering, Monitoring and Safe Systems

The academy uses appropriate filtering and monitoring systems to safeguard pupils when using school devices and networks.

These systems are designed to:

• Block access to harmful or inappropriate content
• Identify safeguarding concerns
• Alert staff to risks

This approach is underpinned by trust-wide policies available here:

TSAT Policies [kingsashacademy.org]

Safeguarding concerns identified through monitoring are managed in line with academy safeguarding procedures.

5. Education and Curriculum

Online safety is taught through a structured curriculum, including:

• Computing
• Relationships and Health Education
• Safeguarding and pastoral provision

Pupils are supported to:

• Understand risks such as cyberbullying and harmful content
• Develop safe online behaviours
• Know how to report concerns

Additional guidance is provided to families via:
KAA E‑Safety advice for parents [learning.n...pcc.org.uk]

6. Responding to Online Safety Incidents

The academy takes all online safety concerns seriously, including:

• Cyberbullying
• Inappropriate online behaviour
• Sharing of harmful or inappropriate content
• Safeguarding concerns linked to online activity

All concerns are:

• Reported via safeguarding procedures
• Recorded appropriately
• Managed in line with:

Safeguarding statement and procedures [kingsashacademy.org]

Where necessary, external agencies will be involved.

7. Staff Training

All staff receive safeguarding training, which includes online safety.

This ensures staff:

• Understand emerging online risks
• Know how to identify concerns
• Are confident in responding appropriately

8. Working with Parents and Carers

Kings Ash Academy works closely with parents and carers to promote online safety.

Support includes:

• Guidance via the school website
• Signposting to advice and resources
• Encouraging open dialogue about online activity

Parents can access support here:
KAA E‑Safety guidance [learning.n...pcc.org.uk]

9. Review and Development

Online safety provision is reviewed regularly as part of safeguarding monitoring.

This includes:

• Reviewing incidents and trends
• Evaluating filtering and monitoring effectiveness
• Updating practice in line with national guidance and trust policy

Relevant policies can be reviewed at:
TSAT Policies Hub [kingsashacademy.org]