DfE have a live consultation about proposed changes to safeguarding within the EYFS. We are concerned that in the existing and proposed EYFS Framework there is very little mention of Online Safeguarding or technology use.
Take a look in this newsletter at the key points we'll be adding to our response, and please use these in your own response if helpful!
And please complete our Early Years Online Safety Survey!
If you work in an EY setting (any type) we would love to hear from you about how you keep children safe online. This will help with our response to DfE's consultation. Please complete this anonymous survey to give your views.
We think it's becoming increasingly important that early years settings and practitioners have clear guidance and requirements to ensure that children in their care are kept safe when using devices.
And somewhat unsurprisingly as device use increases in the early years, the risks have also increased.
The recent IWF data suggests they have found over 2400 'self generated' child sexual abuse images and videos in the 3-6 year old age range.
Concerns regarding passive screen use becoming common place and replacing other more developmentally critical input such as physical activity and social engagement.
Emerging concerns about the impact of high use of screens on children's ability to emotionally regulate and on language development.
So what do we want?
We are calling for the EYFS Framework to create parity between safeguarding online and offline, and an explicit requirement for settings to have a whole setting approach to keeping children safe online. In particular we would like to see mention of settings having:
A pedagogical approach to choosing and using technology, where children's development drives choices made, and importantly the recognition of the importance of adult interaction when using this tech.
Online safeguarding within all staff training
Robust policies outlining the setting’s approach and principles to using tech and keeping children safe online.
Technical solutions to keep children safe when using technology such as enforcing safety controls and using filtering and monitoring.
Advice about how best to support parents with key messaging and behaviour to keep children safe at home.
***Please remember to provide your feedback to DfE by June 17th - this will need to be added in the free text question at the end of the consultation as there is no specific question about online safeguarding.
