Acceptable Use of IT and Internet Policy
As a registered Childminder I must comply with the requirements of the Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation stage, 2017. I therefore provide younger children with the opportunity to explore, observe and find out about everyday technology (Understanding the World). This includes the uses of everyday technology and using information & technology and programmable toys to support their learning. Older children often want to access ICT equipment too and so this policy also applies to them . If you have any concerns, I am happy to meet and discuss them with you.
The development and expansion of the use of ICT, and particularly of the internet, has transformed learning in childcare in recent years. Children and young people will need to develop high level ICT skills, not only to maximize their potential use as a learning tool, but also to prepare themselves as lifelong learners and for future employment. There is a large body of evidence that recognizes the benefits that ICT can bring to teaching and learning.
Childminders must ensure that they meet their statutory obligations to ensure that children and young people are safe and are protected from potential harm. The use of these exciting and innovative tools in childcare and at home has been shown to raise educational standards and promote children’s achievement. However, the use of these new technologies can put children and young people at risk within my childminding setting and outside. Some of the dangers they may face include:
• Access to illegal, harmful or inappropriate images or other content
• Unauthorized access to / loss of / sharing of personal information
• The risk of being subject to grooming by those with whom they make contact on the internet.
• The sharing / distribution of personal images without an individual’s consent or knowledge
• Inappropriate communication / contact with others, including strangers
• Cyber-bullying
• Access to unsuitable video / internet games
• An inability to evaluate the quality, accuracy and relevance of information on the internet
• Plagiarism and copyright infringement
• Illegal downloading of music or video files
• The potential for excessive use which may impact on the social and emotional development and learning of the young person.
Many of the risks associated with e-safety reflect situations in the off-line world and it is essential that this policy is used in conjunction with my other policies (e.g. Behaviour, Safeguarding Children; Allegations of Abuse, Use of Mobile phones and digital cameras, information sharing and Confidentiality policies).
I will:
Ensure if children use ICT equipment they do not have access to the internet unless they are supervised.
Limit access to the internet to a maximum of (10%) of hours per day your child is with me
Allow children to only use IT equipment, especially the internet, in a public room where I can supervise their usage
Allow children to use my children’s digital camera / laptop under supervision. The use of my children’s Vtech camera is the only time they may take pictures under supervision to support their knowledge of ICT.
Allow older children to bring to my setting and use their Nintendo DS under supervision and for limited periods only. Any mobiles must be stored safely away. They are not allowed to take photos with any of this equipment.
Allow older children to use ICT to support for homework and for some games under supervision and for limited periods (This should never impinge on the play and well being of young children in my care).
Children are not allowed to access Social Networks.
There is no access to the web cam
When children do use the internet can access agreed websites only
Internet use will be time limited
An internet filter is installed on my computer to identify which websites are suitable for children and to protect children from viewing inappropriate material.
I will obtain written parental permission to take photos of their child to support records of achievement. These are never used for advertising. (see safeguarding and information sharing policy)
Respect parent’s rights to privacy & confidentiality and I expect that they respect my privacy along with that of my family. I will follow the guidance as set out in the Information sharing Advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services to children, young people, parents and carers July 2018
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/721581/Information_sharing_advice_practitioners_safeguarding_services.pdf
I am registered with the Information Commissioners Office for Data Protection
I will, where known, inform parents / carers of incidents of inappropriate e-safety behaviour that takes place at my childcare setting. These incidents will be recorded in my Record of Incidents book and I will, if appropriate, refer to my Safeguarding Children policies and procedures.
Please see my Policy for General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Retention.
Further information and advice can be found at
www.swgfl.org.uk
http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
http://www.360safe.org.uk/Home http://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-and-resources/parents-and-carers/parentsguide-to-technology/
Due to the ever changing nature of Information and Communication Technologies, I will review my Acceptable Use of IT Policy at least annually and, if necessary, more frequently in response to any significant new developments in the use of the technologies, new threats to e-safety or incidents that have taken place.
Contact
[email protected]
Tel. 01297 552011