This Acceptable Use Policy is intended to ensure that young people will be responsible users while using the internet and other communications technologies for educational, personal and recreational use. The school will ensure that ICT systems and users are protected from accidental or deliberate misuse that could place the security of the systems and users at risk.

School strategy

The school employs a number of strategies in order to maximise learning opportunities and reduce risks associated with the Internet. These strategies are as follows:

General

● Internet sessions will always be supervised by a staff member

● Filtering software and/or equivalent systems will be used in order to minimise the risk of exposure to inappropriate material

● The school will regularly monitor students’ internet usage

● Students and teachers will be provided with training in the area of Internet safety

● Uploading and downloading of non-approved software will not be permitted

● Virus protection software will be used and updated on a regular basis

● The use of external storage media in school requires a teacher’s permission

● Students will always treat others with respect and will not undertake any actions that may bring the school into disrepute

● Students must not take, use, share, publish or distribute images of others without their permission

● Students will ensure that they log out of their computer equipment when leaving the IT room.

Email

● Students will use approved class email accounts under supervision by or permission from a teacher

● Students will not send or receive any material that is illegal, obscene, defamatory or that is intended to annoy or intimidate another person (including cyberbullying)

● Students will not reveal their own or other people’s personal details, such as email password, addresses or telephone numbers or pictures

● Students will never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they only know through emails or the internet

● Students will note that sending and receiving email attachments is subject to permission from their teacher

● Student email accounts are regularly monitored and can be accessed by staff at any time, at the discretion of Senior Leadership

World wide web

● Students will not intentionally visit internet sites that contain obscene, illegal, hateful or otherwise objectionable materials

● Students will report accidental accessing of inappropriate materials in accordance with school procedures

● Students experiencing any issues related to viruses or anti-virus software should inform the ICT Support Department without delay

● Students will use the internet for educational purposes only

● Students will not copy information into assignments without express acknowledgement of the source material (plagiarism and copyright infringement)

● Students will never disclose or publicise personal information

● Downloading by students of materials or images not relevant to their studies is in direct breach of the school’s acceptable use policy

● Students will be aware that any usage, including distributing or receiving information whether school-related or personal, may be monitored for unusual activity, security and/or network management reasons

Internet chat

● Students will only have access to chat rooms, discussion forums, messaging or other electronic communication that have been accorded prior approval by the school

● Use of chat rooms, discussion forums and other electronic communication forums will only be used for educational purposes and will always be supervised. Only pre-approved chat rooms will be used on such occasions

● Usernames will be used to avoid disclosure of identity

● Face-to-face meetings with individuals arranged via internet chat will be expressly forbidden.

Use of digital/video images

The use of digital/video images plays an increasingly important part in learning activities. Students and members of staff may use digital cameras to record evidence of learning and activities. These images may then be used in presentations in subsequent lessons or to celebrate success through their publication in newsletters, on the school website and occasionally in the public media.

We will ensure that when such images are published students cannot be identified by the use of their names.

Internet use and access is considered a school resource and privilege which, if the school Acceptable Use Policy is not adhered to, will be withdrawn and appropriate sanctions (as outlined in the Acceptable Use Policy) imposed.

Before signing, the Acceptable Use Policy should be read carefully to ensure that the conditions of use are accepted and understood.

School website and social media pages

● Students will be given the opportunity to publish projects, artwork or schoolwork on the world wide web in accordance with clear policies and approval processes regarding the content that may be included in the school’s website and social media pages

● The website and social media pages will be regularly checked to ensure that there is no content that compromises the safety of students or staff

● Website using facilities such as guest books, noticeboards or weblogs will be checked frequently to ensure that they do not contain personal details

● The publication of student work will be coordinated by a member of staff

● Students’ work will appear in an educational context on web pages with a copyright notice prohibiting the copying of such work without express written permission

● Images will not be taken of any student against their wishes

● Photographs taken by our students will be controlled by the school and staff will ensure that they are appropriately supervised in line with the school E-safety policy

● Personal student information including home address and contact details will not be included in school web pages

● Students will continue to own the copyright on any work published.

Personal devices

Students are not allowed to use their own devices in school for personal use. This includes such use as leaving a mobile phone turned on or using it in class, sending nuisance text messages, or the unauthorised taking of images with a mobile phone camera. All of these activities will be deemed to be in direct breach of the school’s acceptable use policy.

Legislation

The school will provide information on the following legislation relating to use of the internet (with which teachers, students and parents may care to familiarise themselves):

● General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018

● Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998

● Interception Act 1993

● Video Recordings Act 1989

Support structures

The school will inform students and parents of key support structures and organisations that deal with illegal material or harmful use of the internet.

Sanctions

Misuse of the internet may result in disciplinary action, including written warnings, withdrawal of access privileges and, in extreme cases, suspension or exclusion. The school also reserves the right to report any illegal activities to the appropriate authorities.

Consent for Internet Access

Although the school takes active steps to promote safe use of the Internet, it recognises the possibility that students may accidentally or deliberately access inappropriate or objectionable material.

The school respects each family’s right to decide whether or not to allow their children access to the Internet as defined by the school’s Acceptable Use Policy. [Consent for this is indicated in section 2.1 of this document.]

Agreement

I have read and understood, and agree to follow, the school’s Acceptable Use Policy on E-Safety and ICT. I undertake to use the internet, digital and ICT in a responsible way and to obey all the rules explained to me by the school.

The journey to and from school is an important part of the school day. If this journey is planned and carried out with care, the start and finish of a child’s day will be less stressful - which should help them to attain the greatest benefit from their education.

Parents/Carers

● Always make sure your child is punctual and gets safely to and from the authorised pick up point (usually the bus stop.)

● If your child has a Bus Pass, they must take it on every journey to school. Ask them if they have it before they leave the house.

● If your child pays a daily fare on the bus make sure they have sufficient money with them and their Young Person’s or Scholar’s Metro Permit.

● Teach your child to behave sensibly on and around vehicles.

● Make sure your child understands that passengers are not allowed to smoke on public transport.

● The law says that you may be held responsible for any vandalism caused by your child whilst on school transport, and you could be required to meet the cost of repair.

● Transport operators have the right to withhold services, or may refuse transport to any persistent offenders.

● Ensure your child knows that they must report any incident of dangerous behaviour or bullying to a teacher.

Students

● Always queue for the bus sensibly, keeping away from the road. Indicate clearly that you would like the bus to stop.

● Don’t push or rush towards the bus when it arrives. This is dangerous, as you may push someone into the path of the moving bus.

● If you have a bus pass, always take it with you, and show it to the driver. The driver is not allowed to let you travel unless you have a valid pass.

● If you pay a daily fare on the bus, always make sure you have enough money with you and your Young Person’s or Scholar’s Metro Permit. The driver is not allowed to let you travel unless you pay the fare and will charge you full fare if you forget your permit.

● Show respect for the driver and follow instructions. Do not speak to the driver while the bus is moving unless there’s an emergency. Remember that lots of noise can disturb the driver, and could cause an accident.

● Find a seat quickly without pushing and stay seated for the journey. If there are no seats make sure you can hold onto a rail. Do not stand next to the driver, near the doors, on the stairs or on the top deck. Do not stand or kneel on your seat.

● It is a legal requirement that students wear seat belts where fitted.

● Never open emergency exits unless in a real emergency. This can be very dangerous. ● Make sure that your bags do not block the gangway.

● Do not smoke, eat or drink on the bus.

● Don’t damage the bus, graffiti, spit or leave litter on the bus.

● Always consider the needs of other passengers, whether they are students at your school or members of the public.

● When approaching your stop ring the bell once, if it has already been rung do not ring it again. Wait until the bus has stopped before moving to the front to get off.

● If you have to cross the road after you leave the bus, wait until the bus has moved off and you can see the road is clear both ways. Even better, go to the nearest available crossing.

● Always report any incidents of dangerous behaviour or bullying to a teacher.

● I understand that if I break the rules, I will not be allowed on the bus.

Agreement

I have read and understood, and agree to follow, the school’s Bus Agreement. I undertake to use public buses, school buses, minibuses and coaches in a responsible way and to obey all the rules explained to me by the school.

As parents/carers, we will do our best to:

● Send our child to school regularly, on time, smart and in full uniform (see www.rvhs.co.uk/uniform)

● Ensure they have all the necessary equipment and kit they need to support their learning

● Take an interest in their education by encouraging completion of homework and providing other opportunities for learning

● Keep the school informed about any problems which might affect learning

● Attend Parents’ Evenings

● Fully support the school and its policies, including full backing for after school detentions

● Read all correspondence from the school and respond quickly when necessary

● Ensure your child is properly prepared each day to take part in the life of the school with the necessary books/ equipment.

● Encourage a positive attitude to school

● Encourage your child always to do their best

● Check and sign planners on a weekly basis

As a student, I will do my best to:

● Work to the best of my ability at all times

● Come to school with all the equipment I need

● Show respect for others both in and out of school

● Follow the school’s Positive Behaviour code and rules

● Attend school regularly on time and in full uniform.

● I will not bring a mobile phone into school or other banned equipment outlined in the planner

● Cooperate with teachers

● Record and complete all my homework on time

● Respect the school environment and the local community

● I will not leave the school grounds without permission

● Adopt a positive attitude towards, and participate fully in the life of the school

● Keep my planner up to date and make sure that books are properly used and looked after ● Be responsible for taking communications to and from school and home

As a school, we will do our best to:

● Provide a safe, well-ordered and caring environment

● Have clearly stated and published policies

● Set and mark homework regularly

● Encourage work to the best of each pupils’ ability

● Provide a balanced and challenging curriculum which meets all students’ needs

● Listen to and respond quickly to any concerns you or your child may have

● Contact you promptly should a problem arise

● Keep you informed about the school

● Provide you with regular reports and meetings on progress

● Encourage attendance and punctuality

● Record and reward good performance and progress

● Provide high quality teaching and a variety of enrichment activities.

As Governors of the school, we will do our best to:

● Monitor all school policies

● Consult with and report to parents/carers

● Ensure compliance with statutory obligations, including health and safety regulations

● Monitor and review all aspects of the school’s work.

● Seek financial efficiency and value for money

Agreement

As a part of Ryburn Valley High School, I have read and understood, and agree to follow my part of the Home School Agreement.