Online Safety
Technology is a normal part of everyday family life, and many young children will already be using tablets, phones, televisions, games consoles or online platforms at home. This is why we believe online safety should start from the early years.
Our Online Safety Policy forms part of our wider safeguarding arrangements and follows the Banana Moon Operational Plan, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and government guidance on safeguarding children and protecting professionals in early years settings.
Why is online safety important?
The internet can be a wonderful tool for learning, creativity and communication, but it can also expose children to risks that they may not yet understand.
Government guidance highlights three main areas of online risk:
- Content – children may come across inappropriate, harmful or unsuitable material.
- Contact – children may experience inappropriate interactions with other people online.
- Conduct – online behaviour can sometimes put children or others at risk, including unkind or harmful behaviour.
Even very young children can encounter these risks, which is why developing safe habits early is so important.
The Department for Education recommends that early years settings talk to parents and carers about internet safety, help young children understand safe use of technology and share advice to support safe online use at home.
How we keep children safe at nursery
At Banana Moon Stoke Poges, children are always supervised when using internet-connected devices. We carefully consider the apps, websites and digital resources we use and ensure they are suitable for children's age and development.
Our staff also model positive and safe use of technology, helping children begin to understand simple messages such as:
- Tell a grown-up if something makes you feel worried or uncomfortable.
- Ask before using someone else's device or taking a photograph.
- We do not share personal information online.
- Not everything we see online is suitable or true.
- Being kind and respectful applies online as well as offline.
Our policy also includes appropriate filters and security measures, password protection, secure storage of devices and monitoring of children's screen time. Screen use is kept at an appropriate level and forms part of children's learning rather than replacing the important real-world play, interaction and experiences that are central to early years development.
Keeping children's photographs and information safe
Online safety also includes protecting children's personal information and images.
Photographs and videos of children are only taken using nursery devices, and these devices are kept securely. Parents and carers are asked for the appropriate consent before photographs are used for social media, and children's names and dates of birth are not shared on our social media platforms.
We also use official nursery communication channels when communicating electronically with families, helping to maintain clear professional boundaries and protect everyone's privacy.
We also use official nursery communication channels when communicating electronically with families, helping to maintain clear professional boundaries and protect everyone's privacy.
Online safety starts at home too
Parents and carers play a really important role in helping children develop safe digital habits.
Simple things such as supervising your child's use of devices, checking parental controls, choosing age-appropriate content and talking openly about what they are watching or playing can make a big difference.
You don't need to have all the answers. The most important thing is creating an environment where your child knows they can always come to you if something online makes them feel uncomfortable, confused or worried.
The UK Government's current guidance for early years providers also encourages settings to talk with families about internet safety and provide parents and carers with advice and support.
Further information for parents and carers
We encourage all our families to explore the government's online safety guidance and the resources available for parents.
You can also find practical advice specifically designed for parents of young children through organisations such as Internet Matters and Childnet.
Online safety is a shared responsibility, and by working together we can help children enjoy the benefits of technology while developing the knowledge, confidence and skills they need to stay safe.
If you have any questions or concerns about online safety, please speak to a member of our management team or our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
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Get in touch today
We are confident you will appreciate our nursery, its setting and facilities. Should you wish to visit, we are available at any time to meet with you. Any comments or input from parents are always welcome.
Opening Times
We are open 7.30am - 6.30pm
Stoke Poges
Banana Moon Day Nursery, Chiltern House, Bells Hill
Stoke Poges
SL2 4EG
info@bananamoon-stokepoges.co.uk
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