Online Safety in School

At Stubbins Primary School, we want children to enjoy technology while developing the knowledge, confidence and skills to stay safe online.

From September 2026, we have introduced dedicated online safety lessons across the school, from Reception to Year 6. Our whole-school programme builds children’s understanding as they grow, helping them make thoughtful choices and know how to get help.

Dedicated lessons throughout the year

Each half-term has a shared online safety focus, with teaching adapted to each year group. Children take part in one or two focused sessions, supported by brief weekly reminders and opportunities to practise their learning.

These lessons work alongside our Computing curriculum and SCARF PSHE programme. We make connections between subjects and revisit important messages whenever children use technology.

In Reception, children learn through stories, play, puppets and adult modelling. Older children explore fictional situations, discuss possible choices and practise explaining safe responses.

Our online safety programme

Important safety messages are taught from the start of the year and revisited regularly. Children do not have to wait until a particular half-term to learn how to ask for help, protect their information or treat others respectfully.

Our first focus: privacy, security and getting help

This autumn, our youngest children are practising asking before using a device and getting an adult’s help when something unexpected appears.

Across Key Stage 1, children explore personal information, logins and requests they might encounter in games.

In Key Stage 2, learning develops to include what information can reveal, account protection, app permissions and suspicious requests.

All classes practise getting help- even when a child has already clicked, accepted a request or shared something.

A clear routine: pause and get help

We teach children to pause when something online worries them or asks them to do something they are unsure about, and to get help from a trusted adult.

Children identify actual adults they can approach in school and practise how to ask. If the first adult is unavailable or the concern has not been resolved, they are encouraged to ask another adult and keep seeking help.

Our message is clear: telling an adult is the right thing to do. Being targeted or harmed is never the child’s fault.

Helping every child take part

We adapt teaching to children’s ages, understanding and communication needs. This may include visual prompts, simpler language, additional thinking time, supported communication and repeated practice.

Teachers check understanding through discussion, choices, drawings and role-play. We look at whether children can apply their learning to a new situation and provide further support where needed.

Working together with families

Families play an important part in reinforcing these messages. Asking your child what they have been learning can be a useful way to begin a conversation about their online experiences.

Visit our Advice for Parents and Carers page and read our Online Safety Newsletters for practical support at home.