ICT Acceptable Use Policy

The aim of this Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is to ensure that staff and children will benefit from the technologies offered by Redwood Early Years in a safe and effective manner.

The AUP will be revised annually.  All staff will be consulted with and made aware of the AUP.

Redwood Early Years e-strategy

The setting employs a number of strategies in order to maximise the opportunities offered by technology and to reduce the risks associated with the use of the Internet and mobile technologies.  These strategies are as follows:

  • Children will only search the Internet with an adult sitting by them supervising their actions and responding promptly to any inappropriate material. The internet is accessed via the Infant School’s security controlled safety net.
  • In the case of accidental accessing of inappropriate materials adults will pull out the power cable from the back of the computer and will report the inappropriate accessing of material immediately to the Manager.
  • Uploading and downloading of non-approved software will not be permitted.
  • Virus protection software is used and updated on a regular basis.
  • The use of the Internet and mobile technologies will be for educational purposes only.
  • Adults will never disclose or publicise any child’s personal information, such as addresses or telephone numbers or pictures.
  • The setting has shared tablets for staff to communicate with parents that remain on site.
  • Adults will be aware that any usage, including distributing or receiving information, school related or personal, may be monitored for unusual activity, security and/or network management reasons.
  • Adults will use approved email accounts.
  • Adults will not send or receive any material that is illegal, obscene, defamatory, or that is intended to annoy or intimidate another person.
  • Accessing chat rooms, discussion forums, messaging or other electronic forms of communication will only be used for educational purposes and need the permission of the Manager.
  • Practitioners are asked only to access Famly through tablets on the setting site.
  • Managers may have access to Famly off site in order to aid with the smooth running of the setting.
  • Staff will use the messaging system in the Family software as a first port of call to communicate with parents on non urgent matters.  It is recommended that they do not use the private messaging function with the app with parents unless a manager is copied in to the message.
  • The Redwood Early Years website will be regularly checked to ensure that there is no content that compromises the safety of pupils or staff.
  • All staff will read, understand, agree to and sign the AUP agreement.
  • Smart watches may be worn on the understanding that they must not be used to send messages, game or take calls while working. Childrens safety and attention to the children must always come first.

Sanctions

Misuse of the Internet or other technologies may result in disciplinary action at the discretion of the owner.  Redwood Early Years also reserves the right to report any illegal activities to the appropriate authorities.