New Year Online Safety + Computing, BBC Move for Mental Health & School Newsletter Ideas

Online Safety In The News Labour Raises Concerns For Online Safety Bill as it highlights Christmas scams
Online Safety Resource of The Week Collated Safer Internet Day Resource Pack inc. Parent Infographics https://islington-gov.j2bloggy.com/Islington-Computing-Online-Safety/sid2023/
*Join Networking Twilight Event at Epic HQ, Victoria with Popjam and Islington Lead teacher team inc. briefing on these Safer Internet Day Resources (see below)
And excellent new Online Safety Parent Pack inc. presentation https://www.internetmatters.org/schools-esafety/parent-online-support-pack-teachers/
Online Safety Free DSL Filtering Training from LGFL Safeguarding Shorts for DSLs / other SLT: Web filtering in 20 minutes https://www.lgfl.net/training/

Edtech Resource of the Week New BBC curriculum-linked MoodBooster “moving for mental health and wellbeing” https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/moodboosters
And Brilliant Free Podcasts for children From The Week Magazine  https://www.funkidslive.com/podcast/the-week-junior-show/
Free from Oddizzy – Geography/Environ Online Resource – Champions of Antarctica + 2041 schools! https://www.oddizzi.com/features/2041-schools
For Schools – Chinese New Year Resources And January Robbie Burns Supper Resources
Reminder of more Classic Edtech Favourites with Free Elements from US teacher video inc. some classics KahootBook CreatorPadletBBC Bitesize SeeSaw

Ideas for School Newsletter Tech For Good & Online Safety Reminders for Families(Remember to advertise Safer Internet Day Events)
Get Moving – Family MoodBooster area “Moving for Mental Health and Wellbeing https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/moodboosters
More Free Mind Booster Ideas (shared in The Week Magazine) Smiling Mind App

BBC Bitesize!  Inc. New Maths Reception area + excellent learn revision areas KS2-KS4  https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zhtf3j6  
And Watch This (Quality TV) Great catch-up from Christmas  https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/best-christmas-tv-2022-kids
Online Safety Reminders Inc. platforms like TikTok + YouTube really are the Wild West! Extreme & dangerous content is easily accessed  And children don’t always understand meanings of words or impact of viewing.  Until the Online Harms bill is passed, parents need to stay very involved and check your child’s devices every day. 
And for Parental control and monitoring tools including Google Family Link, Apple ScreenTime and Microsoft Family Safety https://parentsafe.lgfl.net
Free phone helpline for families 7-9pm school nights. (Post Summer holidays increased screentime/late nights)https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/
And more screen free ideas in January Big Birdwatch https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch 

Training Events Tues 17 January 430-6pm New Year Computing Leaders Networking – Hosted HQ Epic Gaming Inc. Latest Research + Planning Safer Internet Day *Email Katy to Book
From Teach Computing New Year Online Training Preparing for OFSTED And Assessment of Computing And National Cybersecurity Centre (part of GCHQ) Book Here  
The BETT Show returns to Excel end of March, Inc Islington hosting the 8th Kids Judge Bett on Friday 31 March https://uk.bettshow.com/kids-judge-bett
Day 2 of FREE Computing Leaders NCCE Training – Join NCCE Team, Pip and Katy at Kings Cross Academy 27 January !
Effective Maths Teaching and Learning Across the Primary Curriculum with Leo Academy Trust Maximising the Role of EdTech (English focus also available on request, contact Katy)

** KCSIE emphasises Online Safety is firmly embedded in role of DSL – Resource Reminder for DSL:  Updated Template policy examples are available https://national.lgfl.net/digisafe
inc. Online Safety Audit KCSIE asks schools to carry out an annual Online Safety Audit


** Bletchley Park Outreach visits Islington Schools Next Week.   Bletchley Park have also offered Virtual Learning Sessions, 90 minutes long and delivered through Microsoft Teams or the schools preferred platform. Up to four classes can join the session simultaneously. A great option, especially if classes are learning about WW2!  Contact Katy


2023 Safer Internet Day 7 February https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2023/educational-resources

We have secured over 20 school based sessions with digital and online safety partners which are now booked but lead teacher sessions still available!

  • Contact Katy to book a lead teacher session and plan your Spring term activity including events for families
  • Decide on whole school resources and brief all staff on plans and timing, plus advertise dates to families asap
    *Collated Islington Resource Park https://islington-gov.j2bloggy.com/Islington-Computing-Online-Safety/sid2023 Inc. Infographic for parents
  • Plan activity with pupil Digital Leaders or targeted classes to help lead the celebration using the SID2022 resources
  • Consider a “Bring Your Parent to School Morning” for an Open classroom morning where teachers lead lessons using SID and Common Sense Media Resource.
    Recent, hugely successful events at Montem and Drayton Park with 50 parents joining a Friday morning Open Classroom, with a 15 min parent session before.
  • Consider *New Whole School Digital Charter Inc. Books at Bedtime, Mobile Free Mealtimes & Daily Exercise and promoting Creative Quality Technology exampleversion
  • Share positive and creative computing ideas, as well as Online safety and SID resources.

    Join the Islington New Year Networking session on 17 January for briefing on Safer Internet day.  Childnet also have a twilight  webinar on 11 January

Priorities for Islington Computing Spring 1 https://islington-gov.j2bloggy.com/Islington-Computing-Online-Safety/primm/
1.  Safer Internet Day + Parental engagement session during first half term using Common Sense Media resource (DL strand of SoW) + the SID resources above.
2.  Computing Curriculum – 2022/23 Training has focused on T/L Computer Science, Scratch with Phil Bagge based on PRIMM Predict-Run-Investigate-Modify-Make
Refresh SoW with teachers if needed– Teacher Pack here (including Common Sense Media characters for display, Scheme overview and Islington Digital Charter)  
-Refresh PRIMM via Phil’s brilliant units http://code-it.co.uk/video  
-Explore and Share the Infographic (shared in teacher pack above group already) to help leaders disseminate including links to Phil’s brilliant videos.

*Key Action is the school needs an educator scratch account, ideally online Scratch 3 to work online.
TOP TIPS to create a Scratch Educator account This account enables you to create classes and  individual accounts.
For more information about creating pupil accounts see the FAQ section here
*Access To Busythings. J2E at Home & School: Refreshing USO Accounts 

Important for September – How To get your LGFL USO’s for staff and students – watch this simple video here, you have to be a nominated contact to do this. For details on being a nominated contact see here and here and the form for your headteacher to fill in is here.
For Ks1 we also recommend -Set up of WhoAmI – http://whoami.uso.im/no-service.htm

Action Planning for Computing
A comprehensive framework  to help you develop an action plan – https://computingqualityframework.org And an example from Kings Cross

And 2simple have a great toolkit for computing leaders https://www.2simple.com/free-stuff/computing-leaders-toolkit

Updated Computing SoW, Inc. New Learning Journey Evidencing of Progress & CPD for staff
Islington Team Elena, Valentina and Pip are constantly updating the Islington SoW to ensure the best content and ease of use. latest Inc:  
New Learning Journey Template linked to every unit, to support evidencing progress *See below Portfolios or No Portfolios? – That is the Question!
Islington Computing Framework Mapped to DFE funded Teach Computing Curriculum programme, (comprehensive and Progressive) adapted with local resources inc. LGFL*Updated units inc. on IT strand of Computing, J2E, Busything  *Linked units of work for Computer Science (including Phil Bagge, Barefoot Computing units)  And Digital Literacy to RSHE

Audit Staff training needs for Computing and Book Computing Lead teacher consultant support (Contact Katy)
Discuss/Plan with SLT – Digital Leaders and Code Clubs (3-6 week blocks over winter months) And use of Whole School Digital Charter

Book Training Partners To Support Whole School Computing, Digital (across all subjects), Online Safety

Three Discovery Digital Outreach Team work closely with Islington schools.  Contact Alan and the team to arrange class workshops
LGfL subscribing schools can receive bespoke support for Teachers/TA/Subject leaders on getting the most out LGFL Resources inc. Busythings
Complete the following form: (Valentina has Apple training arranged with LGFL last this term too)
And technical training sessions are also available for Technicians + Business Managers (Cisco Meraki Systems Manager, Gridstore, Webscreen, Nominated Contact, Adobe Creative Cloud and Safeguarding and Security for technicians.)
Tech We Can champions free tech lesson or assembly – fantastic team of volunteers industry who inspire more young people all around the UK about technology and tech careers, helping to expand young people’s knowledge of all the career options 👉http://ow.ly/Ou0r50IJL30

Ongoing CPD from CAS, LGFL, Teach Computing


Feedback from Recent OFSTED Deep Dives
There have been a number of Ofsted deep dive into computing reported this term, Inc. Islington.  The Islington Computing Team have developed comprehensive resources to support Outstanding Curriculum and SoW, Progression and Evidencing Tools, Intent and Implementation statements. Here are Questions which were shared from an Islington School last week.

What do you want children to know by the end of KS2?

How do you know there is ambition for computing?

What scheme do you use and why?

What does computing look like in EYFS?

What training have you had as a leader?

What CPD is offered for staff?

What was the impact of the CPD?

How are SEND catered for in the computing scheme?

How does your scheme cover the NC?


Portfolios or No Portfolios to Provide Evidence for OFSTED? – That is the Question!

In the summer term we spoke to Ofsted Heather Fearn @HeatherBellaF – HMI leading Ofsted’s Curriculum Unit on twitter On Issue Portfolios, floor books etc.
“You do not need to provide ANY special evidence for Ofsted. Simply plan and teach your curriculum. Then “inspection methodology requires that we make our own selections and couldn’t use selections chosen by the school. “All that’s needed is for pupil work to be available for inspectors to look at in whatever form it is stored.”

BUT the issue with Computing is children’s work is stored in multiple cloud platforms – Busythings, scratch, J2E, google classroom and supporting teachers and children with a system to collate outcomes in some way is important, otherwise there is a risk all could get lost in the cloud!
A school had a recent OFSTED with Computing focus and feedback was children forget or lacked speed locating work across multiple online platforms. 
We do advise you to develop a system to support children and teachers remembering and accessing their work online in multiple online platforms.

Graphical user interface, text, application

Description automatically generatedIt is down to the schools what system they choose in line with the rest of the curriculum. 

Ideas in DFE published this https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/research-review-series-computing

Schools discussed Google in Y4/5/6 and Floor Books younger year groups.

Plus the role of Displays around the school to further evidence. Systems include:

Portfolios via SeeSaw or GoogleClassroom (cloud systems need to be set-up)  Nick Templeton has given examples from SeeSaw here
    *Schools did discuss that children like to see their work collated or displayed too and using a cloud option only make have risk of “getting lost”

Portfolios via Physical Floor Books – thanks to Valentina, lead teacher from Lancasterian Primary who shared examples.

Learning Journeys with Key Questions (See photograph)

Our schools like this model + had been trialling idea of self-review questions using questions linked units. 

Thanks to Lawrence at Canonbury for sharing starters on this)  

This is referenced in DFE doc published last month. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/research-review-series-computing


Important Reminders for SLT and Governors, Inc. Essential Activity for Technical Support 

There have been serious school cyber-attacks in neighbouring boroughs last week, causing schools to close temporarily. 
whether related or not – we understand that there have been a number of phishing emails from trusted colleagues (a London teaching hub, who was hacked)

Reminder of resources  to share with staff – LGFL’s security.lgfl.net and the latest advice for schools using LGFL including a infographic with steps to take and Elevate Cybersecurity Toolkit for Schools (templates for cyber security policy and Incident Report Plan.  And https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/education-skills/cyber-security-schools

The Key held a very important webinar for governors in Autumn term which we recommend every governor and a member of SLT to watch and action plan with Technical Support Provider. 
The session described how Harris Multi-Academy Trust experienced a sophisticated cyber gang infiltrated the MAT’s systems through a phishing email and encrypted everything of value it could find, forcing the trust to shut down its entire computer network highlighting the importance of strategic IT infrastructure: back-ups, updates and robust, professional IT Systems including cloud and email for staff and governors. They refused to pay the huge ransom the hackers were demanding, but there were still significant costs of dealing with the situation. The story also featured on BBC Radio 4.

The webinar included these suggestions/points:
Cyber security Strategy is part of the school’s objectives and risks, see Nation Cyber Security Centre And the school considers Cyber Cover Insurance
-Ensure all systems are backed up and all software updated regularly, (It is essential to have a Patching Policy in your school) and consider Multi-factor authentication for accessing systems
-Governors and SLT member to discuss resilience – disaster recovery plan, including ‘grab-bags’ containing essential print outs of paper documents.
-All staff Inc. Governors should have and use school email addresses
-An expert external organisation can do penetration tests of a school’s systems, including test phishing emails, but the costs of this can be very high.
Training:  As part of LGfL subscription, schools have access to a platform that can simulate phishing emails so they can check their staff’s alertness to them and provides training and awareness raising.
Include policy on Reporting Unsolicited Emails ‘Report as SPAM’
Document management: implement document retention policies in line with GDPR requirements so personal or sensitive information is not kept on your systems for longer than is strictly necessary.

Remote Education Policy Template & Contingency Planning

Remote Education Policy Template & Contingency Planning

Template Remote Education Policy Linked Here and Headlines from Sample School Plans Shared Here

The government has provided some example remote learning lessons, including maths, science, music and RE for key stages two and three.

Coronavirus Act 2020 Provision of Remote Education from 22 October 2020 https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/3642261
Requires that where a class, group of pupils, or individual pupils need to self-isolate, or there are local or national restrictions requiring pupils to remain at home, schools are expected to provide immediate access to remote education. This Direction was effective on 22nd October
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/remote-education-temporary-continuity-direction-explanatory-note 

We have worked with schools to develop this and would like to thank Ambler, Hanover, Sacred Heart, St Joseph’s, St Joan of Arc, and Kings Cross Academy Primary schools for supporting this work. Part of the roles and responsibilities section has been adapted from the guidance produced by The Key.  

In developing the Remote Learning Policy and the underpinning plans to support it, we would suggest that schools consider the following:

  • Staff, pupil and parent voice in the design of remote learning
  • Digital access at home
  • Skills of staff, families and children and immediate training that may be required
  • Delivery of a blended model and how this works for individual children and/or a full bubble
  • Appropriate guidelines for screen time (the digital diet), online safety and data protection relevant to phases e.g EYFS, KS1, KS2
  • Teacher workload, for example, the frequency of feedback and stategies to effectively use staff
  • In the planning and expectations the need for flexibility from all

If you have any queries or would like support in developing the detailed planning such as remote learning timetables or support in the deployment of online tools, we can support this through the Computing and Online Safety ASP. Please contact Katy Potts on 07932 767772.

Some examples of the supporting documentation referenced in the policy template can be found at the Islington Computing and Online Safety blog. We will continue to develop and update all of our resources to support remote learning.

Katy Potts

Computing and E-safety Lead for Children’s Services

Islington Council Laycock PDC

Safer Internet Day 2023

#SID23

Safer Internet Day 2023 celebrated throughout February and with the official Safer Internet Day 2023 on the 7th of February 2023, with celebrations and learning based around the theme ‘Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online’.

Resources by Year Groups
Lead Teachers have explored the Extensive Resources from the Fantastic Safer Internet Centre and Childnet and collated an activity by Year Groups into one easy to share document here and separated into year groups for ease of use. (Also suggests use  Islington Scheme of Work with Common Sense Media and Digital Charter below) 

And whole School Assembly customised with Islington Slides for Digital Charter here
(For access to the extensive list of Childnet resources please follow this link –
https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2023/educational-resources)

Parental Engagement and Whole School Community Events Inc Open Classrooms
To engage the whole school community and as many parents as possible, the above resource suggests an Open ClassRoom or Pring your Parent to School -where teachers lead short workshops for the class and their family member at the start of the day.  

DSL or SLT can run a short breifing for parents and families before class
New Presetnation from Internet Matters https://www.internetmatters.org/schools-esafety/parent-online-support-pack-teachers/
Latest Research on Risks From:Ofcom AND LGFL summary here AND Internet Matters And https://2020.internethealthreport.org

Whole School Online Safety Linking to Community Wide Digital Charter 

Islington Schools have consulted with families, children and staff on  *New Whole School Digital Charter

Inc. Key messaged on “Quality ScreenTime, Books at Bedtime, Mobile Free Mealtimes & Daily Exercise and promoting Creative Technology examples, with a generic version here

Resources Parents 
Positive Tech for learning and Fun (good digital diet) + Example Great TV 
https://www.internetmatters.org/resources
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/https://www.commonsensemedia.org
https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/national-sleep-helpline

Characters from Common Sense Media https://www.commonsense.org/education/posters
Perfect for classroom displays. 

Education progreamm for our schools https://www.commonsense.org/education/uk/digital-citizenship

Start of Term 2022/23

Start of Term 2022/23

Computing Leads Get Organised – Infographic Use the Infographic below to help you get started for the term (please note* please follow images and text that link to resources)

Support to Teachers on Steps to Delivering the Computing and Online Safety Scheme

Digital Leader Implementation – Models vary, depending school Priority and one or blend:
1, Activity can be Coding focused – where the pupils lead code clubs and Tech for Good activity  ideas here
2, Online Safety focused – running pupil led assemblies and workshops for their parents. (see attached doc) And Advertise using Poster

Cyber Security Download the Cyber Security Poster and display around your school