E-Safety Policy

Policy Overview #

This policy covers all aspects of the use of company devices, internet usage and any other form of device that can communicate to the outside world.

Safeguarding children is vital, and The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD is committed to protecting the welfare of every child we care for. All employees are expected to share this commitment.

The intention of this Policy is to: #

• – Give an overview of when and how to use devices safely.
• – To begin the learning process with the children on how to be e-safe, to recognise when information or material is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable and how to ask for help

Who is this policy aimed at? #

This policy applies to all The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD employees, Volunteers, students, temporary staff, or anyone working for or on behalf of The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD.

Where does this Policy Apply? #

• – Any location The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD operates
• – Working with children away from premises
• – When using a device that can communicate to the internet
• – At home

Computer and Internet Use #

The Internet is now regarded as an essential resource to support teaching and learning. Computer skills are vital to access life-long learning and employment.

Internet use should be carefully planned and targeted within a regulated and managed environment to show the children the benefits of accessing information from around the world to enhance their learning.

Staff must adhere to the following: #

• – Internet access is planned to enrich and extend learning activities. Access levels are reviewed to reflect the curriculum requirements and age of the children
• – The nursery internet access is expressly for enhancing the children’s development, which includes filtering appropriate to the needs of the curriculum through staff monitoring and supervision for children within the nursery at all times.
• – Staffs guide the children in online activities that will support the learning outcomes planned for the children’s age and stage of development.
• – Staff will not use work-based devices or personal devices on the network to access inappropriate material.
• – Staff will not connect personal devices to the network, including the guest network.
• – If staff discover unsuitable sites, they must be reported to management.
• – Equipment must be used to work purposes and education only.
• – Equipment can be used for staff learning. For example online training.
• – Equipment must not leave the site unless prior approval from a director.
• – Staff will not use work devices to access personal information. This includes social media, personal email, or remote storage on work equipment etc.
• – Not to install any additional apps that have not been verified by the operations director.
• – Staff will not try to circumvent any restrictions that are in place. For example VPN’s or other means.
• – Staff will not mistreat, neglect or damage any equipment owned by The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD.

How will social networking be managed? #

• – Social networking sites are blocked by our filtering system.
• – Staff agree to follow the Mobile, Smartwatch and Social Media Policy.
• – Staff sign to say they are told not to use social networking sites to discuss work matters.

Information Systems Security Maintenance #

It is essential to review the security of the whole system from the user to the internet. This is a significant responsibility that includes the delivery of essential learning services and the personal safety of staff and pupils.

• – The Operations Director reviews the security of the nursery information systems. They are reviewed yearly.
• – Virus and spyware protection is installed on every device and is updated.
• – Security strategies are discussed with Operations Director, Jonathan Tricks.
• – All sites operated by The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD are protected by a firewall at each location.
• – All networks available at each site are controlled by VLANS and will only give access to users with the correct privileges.
• – All web traffic is routed via our firewall and web filter. Meaning websites that are inappropriate or deemed a threat won’t be able to be accessed.
• – Guests to our sites will use a dedicated guest network with no access to any system on the network.
• – The internet server is secure and login details are not shared.

Email #

The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD email is only used by staff when it has a specific purpose relating to topic work. If a member of staff needs to send an email from the company, then they must get a manager that has access to an email account to send it on their behalf.

• – Staff are prohibited from using their personal email account on any work device.
• – Any correspondence sent via staff members is sent through the nursery email address only.
• – Staff must not send jokes or other materials that the receiver may find offensive.
• – Any materials sent via email at the nursery must first be checked by a member of the management.
• – Staff must not reveal personal details of themselves or others in email communication.
• – Staff are not to use workplace emails for any personal use or register for any service.
• – Staff are not to delete any email that has either been sent or received unless harmful or spam.

How will e-safety complaints be handled? #

• – Parents and staff should know how to submit a complaint. The facts of the case will need to be established, for instance, whether the internet use was within or outside the nursery.
• – Where necessary, the complaints policy and disciplinary procedure are followed.

Famly App #

The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD email uses the Famly app to manage our settings. The app gives a great way to help the staff in their duties and gives them more time with the children. The app must be used wisely and safely.

• – Staff know that messages and posts will be visible to parents that have been sent.
• – Messages and posts must be professional at all times, without exception.
• – Staff must not give their password or pin to anyone else.
• – Records that are kept on the app must be as accurate as possible
• – When making posts with images, staff must check that all children in the photo have permitted to post on the app.
• – Staff must not share information about the app with anyone else.
• – Staff must not delete any message to or from anyone via the app

Children`s images and publishing #

From time to time, we may wish to share images of children or their work on our website, Famly app or other social media.

• – Permission is obtained from parents stating whether or not photographs of their child can be used on the website, famly app or social media.
• – Full names never accompany photographs.
• – If a name is used on our website (for example next to a piece of work on a display board) only the first name is used and is never accompanied by a photograph.
• – Staff will always check parental permission on the Famly app to see if we have prior authorisation to share your child’s image.
• – Children’s images will only be taken on equipment owned by The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD, never on personal devices unless with our photography providers.

Breach of Policy #

Any member of staff, student or volunteer found to be in breach of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action as a breach of this policy and our safeguarding policy. Any breach could result in termination of employment.

Policy Commencement and Review #

Date Commencement	Review Terms	Signed By
01/12/2022	Yearly	Jonathan Tricks, Operations Director