At Park Road Academy, we recognise that the internet is a fantastic resource for learning, creativity, communication and discovery. We want our children to become confident, curious and responsible digital learners who understand how to use technology safely and effectively. Throughout their time at school, children are taught how to search the internet responsibly, recognise reliable sources of information, protect their personal information and understand what to do if they encounter something online that makes them feel uncomfortable or worried.

We actively encourage children to use Kiddle Search, a child-friendly search engine designed to make searching the internet more suitable for younger users. Kiddle uses filtering and child-oriented search results to help children find information, images and educational resources. Although no search engine can guarantee that every result will be appropriate, Kiddle provides a useful starting point for children developing their independent research skills, alongside adult guidance and supervision.

The internet is used purposefully across our curriculum. During dedicated Computing lessons, children learn essential digital skills, including online safety, searching for information, evaluating websites, creating digital content and understanding how technology works. Across other subjects, pupils use the internet to research topics, investigate questions, explore different cultures and places, and deepen their understanding of the wider world. Technology also enables children to create, present and publish their learning, developing skills in word processing, presentations and digital creativity. We also use educational platforms such as Reading Plus, which supports reading fluency, comprehension and vocabulary development, and Times Tables Rock Stars (TT Rockstars), which helps children develop multiplication fluency through engaging, interactive activities.

Online Safety in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

At Park Road Academy, online safety is introduced from the very beginning of a child's educational journey. Rather than teaching online safety as an isolated subject, we embed it within the seven areas of learning and development in the EYFS statutory framework, using stories, play, conversations, practical experiences and adult modelling.

Our approach makes direct links to the following EYFS areas:

Keeping children safe online is central to everything we do. At Park Road Academy, we use Smoothwall, a specialist online safeguarding and web-filtering system designed for educational settings. Smoothwall helps protect pupils by filtering access to potentially harmful or inappropriate websites and online content, reducing exposure to online risks and supporting a safer digital learning environment. These technical safeguards work alongside our staff supervision, safeguarding procedures and ongoing online safety education. We recognise that no filtering system can eliminate every online risk, which is why we place equal importance on teaching children how to make sensible choices, question what they see online and seek support from a trusted adult.

Our aim is not simply to restrict access to the internet, but to empower children to use it safely, positively and confidently, equipping them with essential digital skills that will support their learning now and prepare them for an increasingly connected world.

If you have any questions about keeping children safe online our e-safety lead is Mr Smart. If you have an immediate safeguarding concern please refer to our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Mrs Taylor at DSL@parkroadacademy.co.uk.