- Purpose
First Kick Football recognises the internet as a useful resource for both staff and children. However, it must be used safely to prevent exposure to harmful material, in line with the EYFS 2023 (paras 3.3–3.7), the Prevent Duty 2015, and our Safeguarding Children Policy.
- Roles & Responsibilities
– Operations Director – ensures the Club has effective e-safety procedures and that staff receive training.
– Office Team – maintain parental permission records and oversee IT security measures.
– Holiday Club Manager – ensures supervision, incident recording, and day-to-day implementation.
– All Staff – monitor children’s internet use and enforce guidelines.
- Parental Permission
– Children may only access the internet if parents/carers have given written consent.
– Records are kept by the Office Team.
- Guidelines for Children
Children are taught the SMART Rules for safe internet use:
– Safe – Do not share personal details online.
– Meeting – Never meet someone from online without parental presence.
– Accepting – Do not open emails, files, or links from unknown sources.
– Reliable – Not all online information is true.
– Tell – Tell staff or a parent if something online makes you uncomfortable.
- Safeguards in Place
– A risk assessment is carried out for internet use.
– Parental controls are active on all devices (Google SafeSearch, YouTube Restricted Mode).
– Computers are positioned so screens are visible to staff.
– Staff supervise children when online.
– Up-to-date antivirus and firewall protection is installed.
– Browser histories are regularly checked.
- Responding to Concerns
– If a child encounters harmful material or experiences online bullying, the incident is recorded and parents are informed.
– The Holiday Club Manager investigates and takes steps to prevent recurrence.
– If a child deliberately attempts to access harmful content, a Logging a Concern Form is completed and the incident referred to the DSL in line with the Safeguarding Children Policy.
- Related Policies
– Safeguarding Children Policy
– Social Media Policy
- Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required by legislation or following an incident.