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

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• 'MoMo Challenge Online Safety Update

  Tue 26 Feb 2019

  Dear Parents

   

  I am sure that you are aware of the most recent Social Media Phenomenon ‘MoMo Challenge’. It has been featured heavily in the press and has been the focus of news stories across the globe. This ‘WhatsApp’ messaging concern needs to be treated in the same way as other online Apps in as much as, as parents, you need to be aware of risks and ensure your child’s Internet use is monitored carefully at home, with steps taken on devices to ensure privacy settings are used.

   

  A spokesperson for the NSPCC said: "The constantly evolving digital world means a steady influx of new apps and games and can be hard for parents to keep track of. That's why it's important for parents to talk regularly with children about these apps and games and the potential risks they can be exposed to.”

  The NSPCC publishes advice and guidance for parents on discussing online safety with their children, as well as Net Aware - the UK's only parental guide to social media and gaming apps.

  Among the most common signs to watch out for include children who:

  • Become very secretive, especially about what they are doing online

  • Are spending a lot of time on the internet and social media

  • Are switching screens on their device when approached

  • Are withdrawn or angry after using the internet or sending text messages

  • Have lots of new phone numbers or email addresses on their devices

   

  If you are concerned or have any questions on how to approach the subject with your children, they can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or visit the NSPCC website.

   

  Children who are worried about their activity on apps or online games can contact Childline 24 hours a day, online and over the phone on 0800 1111.

  It is understood the original artwork used by the hackers has been taken from a designer in Japan who has no connection whatsoever with the Momo challenge.

   

  There are a wealth of resources available on the School’s Website to promote steps to ensure Online Safety, I encourage you to visit and read the information and use the resources available:

   

  http://www.st-giles.walsall.sch.uk/online-safety-advice-updated-february-2019/ 

  

• 360 degree safe 'Accredited Online Safety'

  Thu 14 Feb 2019

  St Giles' CE Primary School

  Awarded 360 degree safe accreditation! 

   

  Schools that are able to show good practice in their Online Safety policy and procedures can apply for the Online Safety Mark.

   

  The first step towards gaining the mark involves an online application to South West Grid for Learning and submission of a completed 360 degree safe self review in which the school has reached at least the benchmark level in all aspects (shown on the online tool). The school must also provide a full commentary for each aspect which describes how their provision for that aspect meets the required benchmark level.

  If there are good reasons why a school cannot reach the benchmark level in any aspect (possibly because of the size or governance of the school), this must be explained clearly in the commentary for that aspect for the assessor to judge whether or not the school is still likely to qualify for the Online Safety Mark.

  Following the application, the Assessor will check the completed 360 degree safe self review tool to ensure that the school appears (in its responses) to have met the benchmark levels and be ready for an assessor visit.

  The school is then visited by one or two assessors for a half day visit. Assessors will agree an agenda for the visit with the school based on an exemplar agenda. The assessor will meet with a range of staff, students / pupils, parents / carers and governors and will also carry out a brief review of some of the schools paper / online evidence (policies, minutes, audit logs etc). At the end of the visit the school will be informed by the assessor whether or not their application has been successful. The assessor will also suggest areas of strength and weakness in the school’s e-safety provision. There is a charge for the assessment.
  
  Click here to see the draft schedule for an Online Safety Mark Assessor Visit and here for additional guidance for applicants.

  Feedback from Online Safety Mark schools has been very positive. Click here to see a list of successful Online Safety Mark schools and here to see the feedback from these schools.

  

• Safer Internet Day 2019

  Mon 04 Feb 2019

  UK Safer Internet Centre

   

  Safer Internet Day 2019 will be celebrated globally on Tuesday 5th February  2019 with the slogan “Together for a better internet”, the day provides a fantastic opportunity to engage with children about their digital lives. 

   

  To help you talk to your children about having a positive and safe time     online, we have created a pack for parents and carers, including conversation starters, a factsheet, family pledge card and more! All available to download from our site. Click on About Us, then select Online Safety Advice. 

   

  We have also produced a short film for parents and carers to accompany this pack and serve as a conversation starter. Check out our twitter account;   @StGilesPrimary