Guidance on safeguarding and remote education during coronavirus
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Understand how to follow safeguarding procedures when planning
remote education strategies and teaching remotely during the
coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. From: Department for Education
Applies to: England...Request free
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Understand how to follow safeguarding procedures when planning remote education strategies and teaching remotely during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
From:
ContentsThis guidance is to help schools and teachers support pupils’ education at home during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. It should be read alongside Coronavirus (COVID-19): safeguarding in schools, colleges and other providers. Safeguarding pupils and teachers onlineMost children are being educated at home during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, so school leaders and teachers are having to adjust to remote education strategies. While this is happening, it is important that schools continue to follow safeguarding procedures. As set out in the Coronavirus (COVID-19): safeguarding in schools, colleges and other providers guidance, online education should follow the same principles set out in your school’s staff behaviour policy (sometimes known as a code of conduct). Keeping teachers safe when providing remote education is also essential. Remote education is a new experience for both staff and pupils, so it’s important that schools understand how to approach safeguarding procedures online. Schools may wish to use these resources to understand more about ensuring online education is safe:
Guidance on teaching online safety in schools provides information to help schools ensure their pupils understand how to stay safe and behave online. School contact with parents and carers during this time can also be used to reinforce the importance of children staying safe online. It’s especially important for parents and carers to be aware of what their children are being asked to do, including:
Schools should emphasise the importance of a safe online environment and encourage parents and carers to set age-appropriate parental controls on digital devices and use internet filters to block malicious websites. These are usually free, but often need to be turned on. Use these resources to support parents and carers to keep their children safe online:
Reporting concernsIt is essential to have and communicate clear reporting routes so that children, teachers, parents and carers can raise any safeguarding concerns. Schools may wish to review the existing arrangements to ensure they are appropriate during school closures, or if additional or alternative arrangements need to be put in place. Schools should consider signposting to the practical support that’s available for reporting harmful or upsetting content as well as bullying and online abuse. Harmful or upsetting contentGet support by:
Bullying or abuse onlineYou can:
Schools may also wish to use resources such as Tootoot to provide a confidential route for pupils to report bullying or abuse. Schools can access the free Professionals Online Safety Helpline which supports the online safeguarding of both children and professionals. Call 0344 381 4772 or email helpline@saferinternet.org.uk. The helpline is open from Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm. Communicating with parents, carers and pupilsAlthough education is now having to take place remotely, it’s important for schools, teachers and pupils to maintain professional practice as much as possible. When communicating online with parents and pupils, schools should:
Virtual lessons and live streamingThere is no expectation that teachers should live stream or provide pre-recorded videos. Schools should consider the approaches that best suit the needs of their pupils and staff. Teaching from home is different to teaching in the classroom. Teachers should try to find a quiet or private room or area to talk to pupils, parents or carers. When broadcasting a lesson or making a recording, consider what will be in the background. In some areas, schools may also be able to seek support from their local authority when planning online lessons and activities and considering online safety. Providing pastoral care remotelyHelping parents, carers and pupils to make a weekly plan or structure that includes time for education, playing and relaxing is important to reduce stress and anxiety for families. As set out in Public Health England’s guidance for parents and carers, routine can give children and young people an increased feeling of safety in the context of uncertainty. Schools might want to consider whether one-to-one sessions could be appropriate in some circumstances. For example, to provide pastoral care or provide support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This should be discussed and approved by the senior leadership team to assess any risks. There may be helpful solutions, such as including a parent or additional staff member in the call. Personal data and GDPRSchools and colleges should continue to follow the guidance outlined in the data protection: toolkit for schools when managing personal data and may need to consider:
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