Westhaven School Receive 360 Online Safety Award

An Assessor from the South West Grid for Learning visited Westhaven School on 26th November 2018 to review the school’s online safety provision. The Assessor met school staff, parents and carers, Governors and pupils and were pleased to find that the school provides a high level of protection for users of digital technologies.

To apply for the 360° safe Online Safety Mark, schools have to reach a series of benchmark levels when they complete the online self review. The evidence is then verified by a visit from experienced Assessors. Schools are expected to show that they have provided a high standard of online safety education and awareness for all staff, pupils and also for parents and carers, to ensure that these users of digital technologies can be safe online – whether they are in school, in their homes or out and about using mobile devices.  

Following their visit the Assessor reported “awarding the 360° safe online safety mark to Westhaven School was a pleasure and the whole school should be proud of their achievement. They have used the 360° tool very effectively by using it as their policy and practice guide and have been able to put in place a safe environment built on trust, diligence and passion, all of which permeate the culture of the school.”

Lucinda Tuttiett and Ron Richards, Lead Assessors for the 360° safe Online Safety Mark congratulated the school on its success and commented that it was reassuring to know that the school had put a lot of thought and effort into improving the online safety of the staff and young people, by addressing these important safeguarding issues.

Headteacher, Tracy Towler thanked Kate Vincent, Head of Computing and Online Safety Coordinator for her amazing work in achieving this, together with the Online Safety Committee for our school community. I am fully aware of the level of work this has taken; and the professionalism and dedication to our children that has brought about by this achievement.

Stephen Romanski, Online Safety Governor added the Governors are delighted that the school has achieved this award. It demonstrates that the school is in the best position to keep the pupils safe when using online resources. Our thanks to the school team under the direction of Kate Vincent.

Digital Leader, Sean Liddell said this proves that the entire Westhaven School community is willing to put in the effort to keep everyone safe online. As Head Digital Leader, I thank the entire school  for supporting pupils with online safety issues as and when they happen.