The 360 degree safe online safety self-review tool has been used by more than 13,000 schools across the UK since its launch in 2009. Over the same period 434 schools have been awarded the Online Safety Mark in recognition of the high quality in their online safety provision.
In the Autumn of 2009 five pilot schools in the SW were assessed for the Online Safety Mark prior to the national launch of the 360-degree safe tool. One of those schools was St. Mark’s Ecumenical Anglican/Methodist Primary School in Weston super Mare.
In their 2009 report, the Assessors reported:
It was a privilege to join St Mark’s for the morning and to experience the commitment and enthusiasm of children, parents, teaching and non-teaching staff, and governors to E-safety. The hard work and dedication of the senior leadership team have fostered a team approach and ensured a high quality ICT experience for the children and ensured that the safety and the children in their care is a top priority.
The age related e-safety policies are excellent examples and could usefully be shared with other schools. The school might like to consider visits from other primary schools to share good practice.
The acceptable use policy for younger children was seen as such good practice that it was adapted for use as part of the SWGfL Online Safety Policy Templates for schools.
To maintain their Online Safety Mark award, schools have to be re-assessed every three years. Recently St Mark’s have taken part in their fourth assessment – becoming the first school in the UK to reach this milestone.
Headteacher, Helen Bath commented:
We are absolutely delighted to be the first school in the country to be awarded the Online Safety Mark for the fourth time. The staff, governors and parents continually seek to ensure the safety of our children both now and in the future.
Our children have access to ever-changing technology and the 360 Degree Safe tool has provided us with a framework to help keep them safe online. The tool provides our school with clear and consistent approaches which the children adopt both now and into their futures.
We see our children as ‘life-long learners’ and our role as keeping them safe on their journey through our technological age.
SWGfL are pleased to be able to recognise, through this award, the ongoing commitment of St Mark’s to help all members of the school community stay safe online.
To learn more about 360 Degree Safe click here:
