New research concludes that most teachers don’t have access to basic Internet Safety training
Based on data from over 3,000 schools, the report discloses the strength and weaknesses of wider e-Safety provision in schools in the UK. It concludes that the strongest aspects are still ‘policy and filtering’, whilst consistently the weakest area is still staff training. This report uses evidence from schools using the multi award winning 360 degree safe self review tool and also concludes that it has had a marked effect on UK schools. Focusing on those schools registering in 2010, the data clearly illustrates consistent progress and improvement to better equip them to protect their school, staff, parents but most importantly their children.
The report is being presented today at the 7th International Conference, ‘Keeping Children and Young People Safe Online’ in Poland, celebrating the strengths of UK schools whilst evidencing their areas of weaknesses highlighting where the gaps are.
The report also concludes that Ofsted’s inclusion of e-safety into their school inspection framework in September 2012 has had a positive and marked impact on schools e-safety activity and progress. The data suggests a dramatic 32% increase in activity in the use of the tool
The author, Prof Andy Phippen from Plymouth University, commented: “It is exciting to again publish this ‘state of the nation’ report, highlighting that staff training remains consistently the weakest part of school e-safety policy and practice. The data suggests that schools spend more effort training parents than they do their own staff”.
David Wright, Director UK Safer Internet Centre at SWGfL added: “Taking time to look back on the last 3 years, it is clear that 360 degree safe has had such a positive impact in moving schools forwards and for the first time ever, we are able to use evidence to measure the positive impact of Ofsted policy on the e-safety policy and practice in English schools. It is clear where we need to focus our efforts”.
360 degree safe was awarded 4 national awards in 2011 for the change it enables in schools. It allows schools to consider and challenge their own provision and offers advice and action to better serve their students, staff and parents.
The report can be downloaded at www.swgfl.org.uk/360report2013
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About SWGfL
SWGfL (www.swgfl.org.uk) is an educational trust of the 15 South West Local Authorities. The SWGfL Trust is committed to providing all 2,500 educational establishments throughout the South West with safe, secure and reliable broadband internet connections and broadband-enabled teaching & learning resources and services.
SWGfL, alongside partners Childnet and Internet Watch Foundation, lead the UK Safer Internet Centre as part of the European Commission’s Safer Internet Programme. The Centre is the national awareness centre and is responsible for raising the nation’s attention to online safety issues as well as managing online criminal content and supporting professionals via its unique helpline.
SWGfL has developed an international reputation within online safety. It is a founding member of UKCCIS (UK Council for Child Internet Safety) and has spoken at conferences across Europe, America and Africa.
About Plymouth University
Consistently ranked as one of the leading universities in the UK, and awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in 2012, Plymouth University has a strong record of excellence, enterprise and innovation across its teaching and research activities. Distinguished by its long-term engagement with business and the community, the University enjoys outstanding links with employers and plays a key role in civic and regional leadership. It is the only university in the world to have been awarded the Social Enterprise Mark in recognition of its work in support of the sector.
With around 30,000 students, including those studying higher education at its partner colleges throughout the South West, the University is one of largest in the UK. It enjoys a high rate of graduate employment and has recently invested more than £150 million in its estate and facilities to enhance the student experience and support world-class research.
SWGfL Press Office Contact Details
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