Computing & E-Safety

At Bridgelea, we want every child to feel confident, safe and successful when using technology. We know that technology is an important part of everyday life, and we want our pupils to develop the skills they need to communicate, create, learn and participate in the world around them.

Our vision, Understanding People, sits at the heart of our Computing curriculum. We believe children learn best when they feel understood, valued and supported. Through Computing, pupils learn more about themselves, others and the wider world. They develop confidence, problem-solving skills and creativity while learning how technology can support communication, learning and independence.

Our curriculum reflects the values that underpin everything we do at Bridgelea. Children learn to communicate effectively, work collaboratively and use technology responsibly. We create opportunities for every child to participate and succeed, adapting learning to meet individual needs and removing barriers wherever possible. We want all children to feel included, respected and capable of achieving success.

As a Rights Respecting School, we believe that children’s rights and inclusion are inseparable. Through Computing, children learn that they have the right to be safe, the right to access information and the right to have their voices heard. They learn how to use technology respectfully, take responsibility for their actions online and become positive members of both their local and digital communities. In line with Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, pupils are encouraged to share their views, contribute to discussions and become active participants in their learning.

Our Computing curriculum is also closely aligned with the Bridgelea Playbook. We recognise that children learn best when they feel safe, connected and successful. Lessons are carefully structured with clear routines, supportive relationships and opportunities for all children to experience achievement. Through discussion, collaboration and problem-solving, children develop confidence, resilience and independence while learning that mistakes are an important part of learning.

How We Teach Computing

At Bridgelea, we use the Purple Mash scheme of work alongside 2BeSafe: Being Safe in a Digital World to provide a comprehensive Computing and Online Safety curriculum.

Children take part in a 30-minute Computing lesson each week, where they develop skills across Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy through engaging and practical activities. Learning is carefully sequenced to build knowledge and confidence over time.

Alongside this, children participate in a weekly 10-minute 2BeSafe lesson focused on online safety. These sessions help children understand how to stay safe online, protect personal information, manage online relationships and make responsible choices in the digital world. The 2BeSafe programme is fully aligned with the Department for Education’s guidance on teaching online safety and the Education for a Connected World framework.

Online safety is not taught in isolation. Children also explore key online safety themes through PSHE, relationships education and wider safeguarding work across the curriculum. When concerns arise about unsafe online behaviour, whether in school or outside school, staff provide timely and targeted support to help children understand risks, make safer choices and rebuild positive habits.

The Difference It Makes

By the time children leave Bridgelea, they are confident, responsible and safe users of technology. They understand how to communicate appropriately online, protect their personal information, think critically about digital content and solve problems using technology.

Most importantly, they leave with the confidence, independence and life skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world. They understand how to keep themselves and others safe online, use technology positively and responsibly, and embrace the opportunities that technology can offer in education, employment and everyday life.  

Useful Links

Below are some useful links explaining and showing the benefits, risks and ways to stay safe online, which parents and children may find useful. 

• support for parents and carers to keep children safe online, which outlines resources to help keep children safe from different risks online and where to go to find support and advice. 
• Thinkuknow provides advice from the National Crime Agency (NCA) on staying safe online. 
• Parent info is a collaboration between Parentzone and the NCA providing support and guidance for parents from leading experts and organisations. 
• Childnet offers a toolkit to support parents and carers of children of any age to start discussions about their online life, to set boundaries around online behaviour and technology use, and to find out where to get more help and support. 
• Internet matters provides age-specific online safety checklists, guides on how to set parental controls on a range of devices, and a host of practical tips to help children get the most out of their digital world. 
• London Grid for Learning has support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online, including tips to keep primary aged children safe online. 
• Net-aware has support for parents and carers from the NSPCC, including a guide to social networks, apps and games. 
• Let’s Talk About It has advice for parents and carers to keep children safe from online radicalisation. 
• UK Safer Internet Centre has tips, advice, guides and other resources to help keep children safe online, including parental controls offered by home internet providers and safety tools on social networks and other online services.