Teaching ‘online safety’ in primary school is extremely important because children are using digital devices and the internet at younger ages than ever before. At this stage, they may not understand the potential risks, such as sharing personal information, cyberbullying, or interacting with strangers online. By introducing online safety early, schools can help children develop good habits, such as protecting their privacy, recognising unsafe situations, and asking for help when something feels wrong. It also builds their confidence to use technology responsibly and respectfully. Overall, early education in online safety helps protect children and prepares them to navigate the digital world safely as they grow older.
Curriculum
We use Education for a Connected World as a key framework to support the teaching of online safety across the school. This guidance helps ensure that our curriculum is progressive and age-appropriate, covering a wide range of themes such as self-image and identity, online relationships, online reputation, and managing online information. It supports staff in delivering consistent and high-quality online safety lessons, ensuring that children develop the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. By following this framework, we can build pupils’ confidence, resilience, and understanding, preparing them to make informed choices both now and in the future.
We also use Natterhub as part of our online safety curriculum, delivering dedicated lessons every fourth week. Natterhub provides a safe, simulated online environment where children can explore and practise digital interactions without real-world risks. Through engaging, scenario-based activities, pupils learn how to communicate appropriately online, understand the impact of their words and actions, and recognise unsafe or unkind behaviour. This regular use of Natterhub supports our whole-school approach to online safety, helping to reinforce key messages and develop children’s confidence in making positive and responsible choices online.
How does the curriculum keep children safe?
Online Safety
Online Safety Policy
Online Safety Risk ASSESSMENT
Acceptable Use Policy 2025
Progression – Online Safety
Digi-Leaders
Digi-Leaders are a pupil-led online safety team in the school where the children are the experts. We run Digi-Leaders with one child from each class elected to be part of the team. Throughout the year, the Digi-Leaders lead a school assembly every half-term focusing on different aspects of online safety. They also visit classrooms to teach their peers engaging lessons on a range of online safety themes. The children proudly wear their badges. In addition to leading assemblies and lessons, the Digi-Leaders also support the wider school community by running parent workshops and open-door sessions, where pupils can seek advice and guidance, helping to promote a safe and responsible digital environment for all.
Online safety parent newsletters
We support families by sending out monthly online safety newsletters from Knowsley Council, helping to keep parents and carers informed about the latest digital trends and potential risks. These newsletters include useful information such as guidance on social media apps, advice on setting parental controls, tips for managing screen time, and updates on new online safety concerns such as gaming, live streaming, or online challenges. They also provide practical strategies for starting conversations at home about staying safe online. Sharing these newsletters is vital, as it ensures that parents are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to support their children’s safe and responsible use of technology beyond the classroom.
We also regularly share ‘Wake-up Wednesday’ online safety tips from National Online Safety with our school community. These weekly updates provide clear, up-to-date advice on a wide range of topics, such as staying safe on popular apps and games, managing privacy settings, recognising online risks, and supporting children’s wellbeing in a digital world. The tips are designed to be easy for parents and carers to understand and apply at home, helping them stay informed about the online platforms their children are using. Sharing these resources is an important part of our commitment to working in partnership with families to promote safe, confident, and responsible use of technology.
Back to school online safety
Recommended parental advice websites
Are there any useful resources to help me talk to my child about safety online?
Childnet has developed guidance for parents and carers to begin a conversation about online safety, as well as guidance on keeping under-fives safe online.
Thinkuknow by the National Crime Agency – Child Exploitation and Online Protection command (NCA-CEOP) provides resources for parents and carers and children of all ages.
Parent Info is a collaboration between Parent Zone and NCA-CEOP, providing support and advice for parents and carers related to the digital world from leading experts and organisations.
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) has guidance for parents and carers on online safety.
UK Safer Internet Centre provides tips and advice for parents and carers – you can also report any harmful content found online through the UK Safer Internet Centre.