Parent/Carer Acceptable Use Agreement

Digital technologies have become integral to the lives of children and young people, both within schools and outside school. These technologies provide powerful tools, which open up new opportunities for everyone. They can stimulate discussion, promote creativity and stimulate awareness of context to promote effective learning. Young people should have an entitlement to safe internet access at all times.

This acceptable use policy is intended to ensure:

• that young people will be responsible users and stay safe while using the internet and other communications technologies for educational, personal and recreational use.
• that school systems and users are protected from accidental or deliberate misuse that could put the security of the systems and users at risk.
• that parents and carers are aware of the importance of online safety and are involved in the education and guidance of young people with regard to their on-line behaviour.

The school will try to ensure that learners have good access to digital technologies to enhance their learning and will, in return, expect the learners to agree to be responsible users. A copy of the learner acceptable use agreement is attached to this permission form, so that parents/carers will be aware of the school expectations of the young people in their care.

I understand that the school has discussed the acceptable use agreement with my son/daughter and that they have received, or will receive, online safety education to help them understand the importance of safe use of technology and the internet – both in and out of school.

I understand that the school will take every reasonable precaution, including monitoring and filtering systems, to ensure that young people will be safe when they use the internet and systems. I also understand that the school cannot ultimately be held responsible for the nature and content of materials accessed on the internet and using mobile technologies.

I understand that my son’s/daughter’s activity on the systems will be monitored and that the school will contact me if they have concerns about any possible breaches of the acceptable use agreement.

I will encourage my child to adopt safe use of the internet and digital technologies at home and will inform the school if I have concerns over my child’s online safety.

To show that you have read and agree with this document - we will ask you to tick the YES box on our annual consent questionnaire.