Safeguarding online
Keeping everyone safe during remote education and training is as essential as any other time.
Anyone delivering remote education or training online should be aware that the same principles set out in the staff behaviour policy (sometimes known as a code of conduct) will apply.
We updated our policy promptly to reflect remote online education.
It is essential to have and communicate clear reporting routes so that learners, staff, and employers can raise any safeguarding concerns.
At SR we have a flow chart for visual clarity.
When we first started offering remote learning, we ensured that relevant staff completed training and were offered support and guidance, this included free access to a host of CPD material on enhancing essential digital skills, we also ensured everyone was up to date with a range of potential remote signals, such as this video on Domestic Violence;
Trainer considerations
Teachers/trainers/assessors should try to find a quiet or private room or area to talk to learners. When broadcasting a lesson or making a recording, we need to consider what will be in the background, the appropriateness of our clothing, the drinks and food we eat.
In March 2020 this email was sent to all staff;
A few tips
Harmful or upsetting content
Get support by:
- reporting harmful online content to the UK Safer Internet Centre
- getting government advice and trusted resources from Educate Against Hate on safeguarding from radicalisation, building resilience to extremism, and promoting shared values
Bullying or abuse online
You can:
- get advice on reporting online abuse from the National Crime Agency’s Exploitation and Online Protection command
- get advice and support from Anti-Bullying Alliance for people who are being bullied
In addition, guidance from the UK Safer Internet Centre on safe remote learning includes detailed advice on live, online teaching, and the safeguarding guidance from London grid for learning (LGfL) includes platform-specific advice.
Personal data and GDPR
Providers should continue to follow the guidance outlined in the data protection: toolkit for providers when managing personal data and may need to consider:
- taking care not to share contact details when emailing multiple people
- being careful when sharing usernames and other personal data for access to online resources
It is all of these considerations that make remote training a little more challenging, but we embrace a challenge here at SR. I am really pleased to say, that with guidance followed and pastoral support given freely by all staff at SR, we are ensuring the same high level of Safeguarding as before.
