What is it?
This non-statutory advice provides guidance for early years managers and practitioners on how to safeguard children and adults online and ensure practice is in line with statutory requirements. Separate documents are available for early years managers and practitioners.
Guidance for early years managers covers online safety considerations around:
- Early years setting policies and procedures
- Infrastructure and technology
- Education and training
- Standards and monitoring
Guidance for practitioners looks at:
- The online risks a child may experience in an early years setting and at home
- Strategies you can use to minimise risk
- What to consider when using social media in your personal life
- What to do if you are worried about a child or colleague online
These documents were published by the UK Council for Internet Safety (UKCIS), a collaborative forum through which government, the tech community and the third sector work together to ensure the UK is the safest place in the world to be online.
How to use it
Early years managers should use the guidance to evaluate whether current online safeguarding practice in the setting is in line with statutory requirements and best practice. Managers are supported to reflect and evidence existing practice using a list of statements
Practitioners should use the guidance to help them understand their role in promoting the online safety and wellbeing of children in their care, as well as considering their own professional practice. Early years managers may consider signposting to the guidance as a part of practitioners’ induction or when discussing online safety policies and procedures with staff.
Who can use it
Managers and practitioners working in an early years setting (including those working in wraparound care for the early years age group).
Where to find it
Download both guidance documents here.