Woolston Brook School

By Mark Cullen

Woolston Brook SEMH School recognises the importance of using technology in education and aims to provide a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment where students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs can thrive. Our Computing Policy outlines how technology will be used responsibly and effectively to support teaching, learning, and personal development while ensuring the safety and well-being of all our students and staff.

This policy is designed to ensure that all members of the school community—students, staff, and visitors—are able to use computers, the internet, and other digital technologies safely and responsibly.

The aims of this policy are to:

• Promote the use of computing as an effective tool for learning and personal development for all students at Woolston Brook.
• Ensure that technology is used in a way that is safe, secure, and appropriate to the developmental needs of our students.
• Safeguard students from inappropriate content and online risks while encouraging positive online behaviours.
• Enable staff to use technology to enhance teaching, learning, and administrative functions in an efficient manner.
• Outline clear guidelines for acceptable use of technology and digital resources within the school.
• Define the responsibilities of all stakeholders in relation to technology use at the school.

The Senior Leadership Team holds a critical role in ensuring the alignment of the computing policy with the strategic objectives of Woolston Brook SEMH School. Their responsibilities include:

• Ensuring that this policy is communicated clearly to all members of the school community and is subject to regular reviews to adapt to any technological advancements or changes in educational practice.
• Providing comprehensive resources and training sessions for staff to effectively and safely implement computing and digital technologies in their classrooms.
• Supporting staff and students alike in creating a safe online environment through encouragement, training, and timely intervention.
• Ensuring that all staff and students are aware of and adhere to safeguarding protocols related to digital technologies, thus promoting a culture of safety and respect.

The Computing Lead plays a pivotal role in the development and execution of the computing curriculum, and their responsibilities encompass:

• Leading the development and implementation of the computing curriculum in conjunction with the overall educational framework of the school.
• Monitoring and reviewing the use of technology across the school to ensure it is aligned with educational objectives and beneficial to all students.
• Ensuring that suitable monitoring and filtering systems are in place to protect students online, thereby minimising the risk of exposure to harmful content.
• Acting as the primary point of contact for any issues or queries related to the use of technology and online safety, thereby fostering a transparent environment.

Teaching staff are essential in promoting the responsible use of technology among students. Their responsibilities involve:

• Using technology effectively in support of teaching and learning, ensuring alignment with the school’s curriculum and policies.
• Encouraging responsible and safe use of technology in the classroom setting, thereby modelling appropriate behaviours for students to emulate.
• Providing guidance, support, and instruction to students on the effective and responsible use of digital tools, contributing to their personal development.
• Modelling positive online behaviours and consistently ensuring that students are informed about their digital rights and responsibilities.

Students are expected to play an active role in their own online safety, which involves:

• Using technology strictly in accordance with the school’s acceptable use policy.
• Following established guidelines concerning online safety, privacy, and respectful conduct in digital spaces.
• Respecting the digital resources made available by the school and exercising care in the use of equipment provided for educational purposes.

The role of parents and carers is vital in the partnership to promote online safety and responsible technology use. Their responsibilities include:

• Supporting the school’s approach toward online safety and technology use by engaging in conversations about responsible digital behaviours with their children.
• Ensuring that students adhere to the school's acceptable use policy during their personal internet use at home, particularly with regard to social media and gaming platforms.
• Reporting any concerns regarding online safety or potential risks promptly to the school, thereby aiding in the swift addressing of issues that may arise.

To maintain a conducive learning environment, the following general guidelines must be adhered to by students and staff:

• Students and staff must use school-provided devices and resources exclusively for educational purposes, unless prior agreement has been made with the school for other uses.
• All devices, including laptops, tablets, and desktop computers, are the property of Woolston Brook School and should be treated with care and respect.
• Students will be encouraged to engage with educational apps, platforms, and websites approved by the school. Activities deemed non-educational, such as frivolous gaming or social media use during school hours, are explicitly prohibited unless expressly allowed by the teacher.
• Staff are expected to exemplify positive online behaviour and ensure that students are engaging with technology in a manner that is conducive to their learning experience.

With the proliferation of social media, specific rules regarding its use have been established:

• Students are prohibited from using social media platforms during school hours unless the activity forms part of a planned and supervised learning exercise.
• Direct communication between students and staff via social media platforms is not permitted, with staff discouraged from using personal social media accounts to interact with students outside school hours.
• Any incidents of cyberbullying, inappropriate use of social media, or online harassment must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or relevant staff members for prompt investigation and resolution.

Maintaining a safe digital environment is of paramount importance at Woolston Brook SEMH School. This involves:

• The implementation of stringent safeguarding measures, including internet filtering and monitoring software, ensuring that students can access the digital world with confidence.
• Provision of regular education and training for students on online safety, including recognition and appropriate response strategies for threats such as cyberbullying, grooming, or phishing scenarios.
• Ongoing professional development for staff on aspects of online safety and digital safeguarding to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle potential risks appropriately.

It is essential for students and staff to understand how to report online safety concerns effectively. To this end:

• Any concerns relating to online safety should be promptly reported to the DSL or the Computing Lead, and such concerns will be treated with the utmost seriousness and confidentiality.
• Woolston Brook has established clear protocols for addressing online safety incidents, which include appropriate disciplinary measures and the provision of support for those affected.

In our increasingly digital landscape, data security is crucial. The school will:

• Take necessary steps to ensure that any data collected or processed via technology is done securely and in compliance with relevant data protection laws and regulations.
• Heighten staff awareness of their responsibilities concerning the protection of student data and personal information, with staff instructed to share personal information only when essential, and in compliance with the Data Protection Policy.
• Educate students on the significance of privacy and data protection, ensuring they understand how to secure their personal information when using technology.

Student’s phones are handed in upon arrival at school and they will be returned upon exit. Mobile phones are not to be used during school hours. Students have access to PCs, Chrome books and IPads if required during lessons.

Woolston Brook SEMH School is committed to ensuring that all students have equal access to the technology necessary to support their learning. To uphold this commitment, we will:

• Assess the availability of appropriate technology to support student engagement in learning and ensure that those requiring additional support due to SEMH needs are provided with resources conducive to their education.
• Strive to minimise the digital divide by guaranteeing equal access to computing resources, thus ensuring that no student is excluded from technology-based learning opportunities.

Understanding that students with SEMH needs may face unique challenges in managing online behaviour or navigating digital tools, the school will:

• Provide tailored support interventions based on the individual needs of students, ensuring they have the necessary tools and resources to utilise technology safely and effectively.
• Develop personalised plans for students requiring additional support with technology usage, in collaboration with relevant professionals and families to ensure an inclusive approach.

To ensure adherence to this policy, the use of technology will be subject to ongoing monitoring. This will include:

• Reviewing internet usage logs and checking compliance with the acceptable use policy to identify and address potential issues promptly.
• Conducting regular audits of digital resources to ensure alignment with educational objectives and safeguarding practices.
• Investigating any problems that arise from technology use—whether academic concerns, behavioural issues, or safeguarding matters—promptly, ensuring corrective actions are executed where necessary.

This policy will be subject to an annual review by the senior leadership team and Computing Lead to maintain its relevance in the face of technological advancements and best practices in safeguarding. Key elements of the review process will involve:

• Assessment of existing practices and resources to evaluate their effectiveness in achieving the objectives of online safety and ethical technology use.
• Engaging in consultations with stakeholders, including staff, students, and parents/carers, to gather feedback and ensure a collective approach to technology use within the school.
• Communicating updates to this policy to all staff, students, and parents/carers, supplemented by training where necessary, to ensure comprehensive understanding and compliance.

Woolston Brook SEMH School is committed to creating an environment where students can engage with technology in a safe, responsible, and effective manner. Through the implementation of this Computing Policy, we aim to equip our students with the tools and knowledge required to navigate the digital world confidently while prioritising their safety and well-being.

As technology continues to evolve, so too will this policy, adapting in response to emerging trends and the changing needs within our school community. By fostering a collaborative relationship between staff, students, and families, we will cultivate a positive, inclusive, and secure digital learning environment that supports the educational and personal growth of all students.