Safeguarding during School Closures due to the Corona Outbreak
Schools are closing but schools’ safeguarding responsibilities will continue during home-based schooling and your school policy may not cover the use of home networks. With most schools embracing E-Learning to continue supporting their children’s education, it’s time to think about this issue. Here are some ideas to help:
Advice for Teachers
Using webcams in home-based lessons raises a number of issues not normally arising in school. We recommend you establish guidelines for students and their families including:
- A code of conduct for attendance at lessons and any sanctions for breach.
- Appropriate dress code for students and others in the space where the lesson is delivered.
- Appropriate language and behaviour for students and others nearby.
- Preventing students (and others) from taking or sharing unauthorised screenshots from lessons.
- Protecting the copyright of any material used in lessons.
Teachers also need to think carefully about their use of webcams:
- If delivering lessons from home, be aware of material that may be visible in the background. Avoid revealing personal teacher information or other sensitive data.
- Ensure that all teachers delivering virtual lessons log out at the end of the session and are not left online alone with only one student.
- As you would normally do in school, be aware of any warning signs that a child may be at risk, particularly in this new stressful environment.
Think about data security guidelines for staff working at home:
- Ensure computers are stored securely, out of view and shut down every night.
- Keep anti-virus software up to date.
- Install latest software updates promptly.
- Close laptop lids when temporarily not in use.
- If others are in the room, protect any sensitive data that you might have on your screen.
- Ensure your passwords are strong and only known by you.
- Beware of scams – fraudsters have been quick to take advantage of the latest crisis
BE SAFE
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