Computing
Firs Farm is embracing the changing technical age and ensuring our children are ready to live and work within it. Every class follows a broad and creative programme of work which covers all of the National Curriculum objectives. This includes teaching children how technology works, how we can code as well as how we can develop into good digital citizens. We aim to ensure all of our children are digitally literate by the time they leave Firs Farm. E
Each half term the children complete a different computing unit which is progressive and ensures they meet the demands of the Computing curriculum. This includes learning and using the features of several Microsoft platforms, searching the internet safely and accurately using coding vocabulary when building algorithms. Children have also become increasing familiar with online learning via different platforms such as MyMaths and Microsoft Teams.
As a school, Tapestry is used in the EYFS to communicate children's learning with their adults and we encourage parents/carers to respond accordingly on this.
We ensure children have a good understanding of what it means to be safe online and what to do if they are worried. This taught through our Internet Safety Week and during all lessons. All children, parents and staff are expected to sign an Acceptable User Agreement outlining our expectations of children using the equipment and working online. We have also introduced a Social Media Acceptable Use Policy for our KS2 children, in this ever growing digital age.
Below are some links for parents, carers and children to support their online activities and what to do if you are unsure, upset or frightened by anything online.
Safer Internet Day 2022 Parent/Carer Resources
Parental Controls
Did you know that most apps/websites can now be controlled by your phone?
Use the links and information displayed here to keep your children safe online when at home:
Internet Matters
https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/
Ultimate guide to parental controls
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/parents-ultimate-guide-to-parental-controls
TikTok
Using the Internet safely at home
Below are links to help adults at home guide their children’s screen time.
https://www.internetmatters.org/google-safety-tools-for-families/
https://static.lgfl.net/LgflNet/downloads/digisafe/Parent-Top-Tips-Safe-Online-Corona.pdf
https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/staysafestayhome-tech-advice-for-families/
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/support-tools/home-activity-worksheets
Video gaming and movies
Use these links to help support your knowledge of different video games and movies that are available for children to watch/play:
https://pegi.info/what-do-the-labels-mean
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/reviews
https://www.taminggaming.com/home
https://tinyurl.com/y6n3lfu6 This is a useful guide specifically for parents to understand video gaming
Updates
Use the following links to sign up to newsletters that will keep you up to date on all the latest information regarding internet safety for children both at home and school.
https://www.childnet.com/resources/looking-for-kidsmart
https://www.kidsonlineworld.com/
https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
https://www.internetmatters.org/
Online Safety videos for children
These videos are great for you to watch with your children and discuss after.
KS1
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/4_7/
https://www.childnet.com/resources/looking-for-kidsmart
KS2
https://www.childnet.com/resources/the-adventures-of-kara-winston-and-the-smart-crew
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/13908828
https://howsecureismypassword.net/
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/8_10/
