At the Federation of STW, we employ the highest quality filtering and monitoring systems to mitigate the risks of our children's online safety. In partnership with North Yorkshire Local Authority, we use Smoothwall as our filtering system.  This system employs a continuously updated series of keywords and watchwords to filter the content of the internet from any of the devices used within the schools' systems. This provides the highest quality of control on internet provision. As well as filtering, Smoothwall monitors internet searches and provides alerts to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Mrs Wood.  Any breaches are investigated and followed up as appropriate to support and ensure safeguarding.

As part of the federation's monitoring, the details of any breaches are recorded and this is reported within the safeguarding 1st of the Month Checks (monitored by governors).

Children are asked to explore an increasingly wide range of websites and digital content and are required to use search engines to develop their skills as a digital citizen - using these systems of filtering and monitoring we feel secure in exploring the online world, giving us opportunities to learn about online risks as we progress through school. Internet safety is a huge part of our school curriculum and we challenge children to think about the key themes of content, contact, conduct and contract which form the four main areas for online safety. We believe that this gives them the best preparation for digital citizenship of the future.

Please remember to apply appropriate settings to children's devices when they are using the internet at home or on mobile devices. We send regular guidance and support to parents. This information can be found on our website via the following link: