11th September 2000

Dear Parents

Responsible Use of the Internet

As part of the government sponsored ‘National Grid for Learning’, the school has installed a new computer system, which gives the children access to the Internet. Mindful of the possibility of children gaining access to undesirable materials, we have taken steps, along with the Local Education Authority, to deal with this.

Our Internet access is supplied by Lancashire County Council and it has a built in filtering system that restricts access to sites containing inappropriate content. As an additional measure of protection, we have ensured that all of our computers are in public view and normally an adult is present to supervise.

No system is perfect, however, and you should be aware that it is not possible to entirely remove the risk of finding unsuitable material. We have been asked by the LEA to inform you of the rules which the children are expected to follow to help with our precautions. Early indications are that the children benefit enormously from this facility and are using it very responsibly already.

I would ask you to look through these rules and discuss them with your child and then return the signed form to us at school.

If you would like to have a look at our full ‘Policy for Internet Access’, I will be more than willing to forward you a copy – particularly by email as this is cost free to the school. 

Yours faithfully

Mrs. Julie Bolton
ICT Co-ordinator

1.	

Children wishing to use the Internet must first sign to say that they have read and understood this agreement.

1.	I will always ask the teacher before I use the Internet and will be sensible whenever I use it.

2.	I will only use the Internet for schoolwork and homework and will only use the sites my teacher has told me about.

3.	I will not give my name, address or telephone number to anyone on the Internet and I will tell the teacher if anyone asks me for my name, address or telephone number.

4.	I will never agree to meet someone I have spoken to on the Internet.

5.	I will not download programs or bring programs on disc or     CD Rom from home into school.