An Assessor from the South West Grid for Learning recently visited Croyland Primary School to review the school’s e-safety provision. The Assessor met school staff, parents and carers, Governors and pupils and was pleased to find that the school provides a high level of protection for users of the new technologies.

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.

The prime benefit of using the review and applying for the E-Safety Mark is that it does not focus on the individual aspects of e-safety such as technological solutions, but instead it integrates e-safety into school policy and the curriculum, challenging teachers and managers in the school to think about their provision and its continual evolution.

Schools are expected to show that they have provided a high standard of e-safety education and awareness for all staff, pupils 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 Assessor reported that the school is well led in e-safety by both the Headteacher and appointed leaders. The members of staff in charge of E-safety show good knowledge and awareness of their responsibilities and accountability. All staff recognise E-safety as a sensitive issue and deal with reports of incidents effectively. The e-safety leads are committed and passionate and through excellent leadership, they have ensured that the school is consistent and coherent in their approach to dealing with e-safety. They are constantly aspiring to supp

ort parents, children and staff with technological issues that are evolving and changing on a daily basis.

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.

On hearing the news, Alison Shipley, Assistant Director for Vulnerable Children at Nortamptonshire County Council congratulated the school and said "as always Croyland is responding proactively to any new challenges".