At Whitecross, our main priority is to keep children safe and happy. Our Internet provider operates a filtering system that restricts inappropriate material and if your child uses the Internet it is under supervision.

Whitecross Nursery School is committed to teaching children to be safe Internet users and to support parents and carers with this very important skill at home too.   

What can you do at home?

According to Internetmatters.org.uk, children under the age of five are increasingly using their parents’ computers, smartphones or tablets to play games, use apps, and watch their favourite TV shows. They suggest some simple things you can do to make sure they’re using the Internet safely.

Explore together

Talk to your child about what the Internet is and explore it together so you can show them all the great fun and educational things they can do.

Put yourself in control

Install parental controls on your home broadband. Most Internet enabled devices allow you to set parental controls to allow you can manage what content your child can see and how they interact with others online.

Use passwords

Keep your devices out of reach and set passwords on all your Internet-enabled devices and don’t share them. Then you’ll know when and where your child is accessing the Internet. You can also make sure they’re not making additional purchases when they’re playing games or using apps.

Search safely

Use safe search engines such as Swiggle or Kids-search. You can save time by adding these to your ‘Favourites’. Safe search settings can also be activated on Google and other search engines, as well as YouTube.

Be involved

Encourage them to use devices in a communal area like the lounge or kitchen to ensure you can keep an eye on how they’re using the Internet and also share in their enjoyment.

Manage access

Set your homepage to a child-friendly site like CBeebies and create a user account for your child on the family computer or device which only allows access to sites you’ve chosen.

Help them learn through games

You can choose safe, fun and educational online games to play with your child and that you’ll be confident about them exploring.

Set boundaries

It’s never too early to start setting boundaries. Set some rules about how long your child can spend online and always check what they are doing.  

If you would like further support or advice regarding online safety, please contact

Mrs Claire FitzPatrick, Designated Safeguarding Lead

Miss Verity Noblet, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mrs Beth King, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Julie Jennens (Designated Safeguarding Governor).

Here are some useful websites with advice and resources

• internetmatters.org.uk
• https://beinternetlegends.withgoogle.com/en-gb
• saferinternet.org.uk

Here is a useful flyer to download with advice and information on - 'Keeping Under Fives Safe Online':-