Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• Cyber Safety - a continuing theme

  Mon 06 Feb 2017 Mr Seargent

  Cyber Safety - a continuing theme

  As those who visit the website and read notices sent home will know, we at Ashgate Primary School take cyber and Internet safety very seriously.

   

  Each term, we aim to dedicate at least one assembly to this theme, as well as having e-safety running as a thread through all we do.  Today the children received a pertinent message around the importance of being mindful of what they post in relation to potential acts of bullying and hate crime, and what to do about it.

   

  Although mobile phones are not permitted on the school site, we are aware of incidents outside of school and nationally where mobile devices, including apps for social media, have been used to promote, share or initiate acts of bullying or hate crimes.  It was for this reason it was relevant to ensure that the children are encouraged to be mindful and how they should respond.

   

  Sexting - advice and guidance on this recent concern

  In addition, we must also be aware of the need to keep up to date with trends and new risks, and for this reason I draw your attention to some useful parental advice on 'Sexting', a phenomenon you may have been made aware of through media coverage.  Whilst it may be inaccurately perceived that primary school aged children are not at risk, this is not the case, and complacency can trigger or result in an escalation of such incidents.

   

  I request that parents read the guidance from the 'What Parents Need to Know' from the following link.

  
  Please contact us if you would like further guidance and support on how to help your child.

   

  http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/2011-sexting.html

  or click on the link under the Parent Page . Useful links and information . safeguarding

   

• Safeguarding Warning

  Wed 01 Feb 2017 Mr Seargent

  'MyLol' Application - Safeguarding Concerns.

   

  I have today received notice from DCC Safeguarding Children Board that the above mentioned Social Media Application has been identified as a significant safeguarding risk, following an incident linked to its misuse, placing a school girl (not in this locality) at risk of harm from sexual predators.

   

  DCC Safeguarding State:

  “We strongly advise that you talk to your child about this and our advice would be to delete the app and block the website.”

   

  It is reported that the App has been used for inappropriate activities against young people.

   

  We are continually reminding children of the risks associated with social media access, and this information is shared to ensure parents are aware of any specific dangers posed to children.

   

  NB: Although not related to the information shared in an earlier announcement about use of mobile devices, this does underpin the need to be vigilant and proactive regarding use of Social Media and mobile phones.

   

  Mr Seargent

  

• Mobile Phones in School

  Wed 01 Feb 2017 Mr Seargent

  Mobile phones and other transmitting devices in school

  Dear Parents / Carers

   

  There has been a recent surge of pupils bringing mobile devices, such as phones and similar, in school and this is becoming increasingly problematic.

   

  I wish to make it explicitly clear that, mobile phones or any other device that transmits or receives information are not permitted in school.

   

  As on Monday 6^th February:

  Any pupil found to have such a device will have it confiscated immediately and it will only be returned to the nominated parent or carer. The school will not take responsibility for any loss or damage caused to items confiscated.

   

  Whilst I recognise that some may find security in the knowledge that their child has a phone with them, such devices cause a safeguarding risk, act as a distraction and create complex challenges when lost or damaged. There is no need for pupils to contact others on school site and if it is necessary to contact you, this will be done via the school office. All Internet and information needs are met through the schools resources and as such are monitored and filtered.

   

  If you feel that there is a ‘significant and extenuating circumstance’ that will result in the need for your child to bring a mobile device to school, you must submit this request in writing to myself. Submitting a written request is not an authorisation for your child to bring their phone to school, but all requests will be considered.

   

  I thank you in advance for your cooperation.

   

  Mr Seargent