Platt Bridge Community School

The assessor met with parents and carers, academy staff, Local Academy Board members and pupils. The Assessor was pleased to find that the academy provides a high level of protection for users of the new technologies. To address new technologies and e-safety, the assessment will also support the academy in addressing how we could do more to protect young people and staff. To apply for the 360 degree safe E-Safety Mark, academies have to reach a series of benchmark levels when they complete the online self-review. The evidence is then verified by a visit from experienced Assessors. The prime benefit of applying for the E-Safety Mark is that the assessment does not focus on the individual aspects of e-safety such as technological solutions, but instead it integrates e-safety into whole school policy and the curriculum, challenging teachers and managers in the school to think about their provision and its continual evolution. To pass the assessment academies are expected to show the assessor that they have provided a high standard of e-safety education and awareness for all staff , pupils and also for parents and carers, to ensure that these users of the new technologies can be safe online - whether they are in school, in their homes or out and about using mobile phones or other handheld devices. The Assessor reported that 'Staff and pupils at Platt Bridge Community School are very clear about the reporting mechanisms and parents feel confident to approach the school with any worries regarding e-safety. It was clear from talking to all stakeholders that e-safety contributes to the ethos of the academy, and all were able to talk about it.' The Assessor also reported that the progress of learning throughout the school is strong and where necessary linked to e-safety through focused lessons and modelling by the class teacher. Specialist workshops are carried out at the academy throughout the year to deliver up to date e-safety education to pupils, staff, academy board representative, parents and families. The Assessor also reported that the academy has a robust e-safety policy and internet agreement policy. Andrew Murden, Lead Assessor for the 360 degree safe E-Safety Mark congratulated Platt Bridge on its success and commented that it was re-assuring to know that the academy had put a lot of thought and effort into improving the on-line safety of the staff and young people, by addressing these important safeguarding issues. Pictures show Mrs Dean receiving the E-Safety Award with some of the children at Platt Bridge Community School who were involved in the assessment.