Barnsley Learning Network Policy
Dear Parent
The introduction of the Barnsley Learning Network into Barnsley schools has given access to electronic communications and a new dimension to the use of ICT in our school. Through the introduction of this network your child has access to a network of information resources provided by the Internet. This will enhance their access to resource materials and also provide opportunities for worldwide communications with other pupils, giving access to cultural and social information.
This expansion of ICT in schools also, unfortunately, exposes the potential for misuse of technology. This could include pupils gaining unauthorised access to computer files, deletion of pupils’ school work, and access to pornographic images and so on. We understand you may be concerned by the problems and issues that have been highlighted by the media and we are keen to ensure responsible and safe use of this communications medium.
Barnsley LEA is anxious to protect school pupils from on-line access to undesirable materials. By connecting schools to the Internet via the Barnsley Learning Network we are able to implement a range of content management utilities and filters to screen out undesirable material.
The LEA and school have taken every possible precaution to protect pupils from unsuitable sites that when a child logs onto the Barnsley Learning Network, they only have access to Internet sites, which have been ‘vetted’ and identified as suitable. Your child has access rights to this learning environment but ultimately parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using information sources. To this end, the school supports and respects each family’s right to decide whether to refuse access to the Barnsley Learning Network.The school has developed a set of rules for network use by pupil. These rules will be made available to pupils and kept under constant review.
We would be grateful if you could complete the attached form and return it to school.
Yours sincerely
Judith Hirst
Mrs J B Hirst
PARENTS PERMISSION FORM.
Please complete and return this form to the Headteacher.
Pupil
As a user of the Barnsley Learning Network, I agree to comply with the school rules and it’s use. I will use the network in a responsible way and observe all the restrictions explained to me by the school.
Pupil Signature:……………………………………………………………………… Date:……………………………………….
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Parent
As the parent/guardian of the named pupil, I decline permission for my son/daughter to use E-mail and the Internet.
Parents Signature:………………………………………………………………. Date:………………………………………….
Or alternatively……………………..
Parent
As the parent/guardian of the named pupil, I grant permission for my son/daughter to use E-mail and the Internet via the Barnsley Learning Network. I understand that, although every precaution has been taken, some materials on the Internet may be objectionable and I accept responsibility for setting standards for my son/daughter to follow when selecting, sharing and exploring information and media.
Parents Signature:…………………………………………………………….. Date:……………………………………………
Name of pupil:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Class:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
PUBLIC ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION IN LEA MAINTAINED SCHOOLS
Sandhill Primary School has a Publication Scheme on Information available under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. A copy of the scheme is available from the office.
Regulations 5(5) and 6 (The Education (School Hours and Policies) (Information) Regulations 1989) requires to be made available the following information:
- The LEA’s statement of curriculum policy.
- Statutory instruments (including statutory orders for National Curriculum subjects). Circulars and administrative memoranda relating to powers and duties under Chapter 1 of the ERA (The Curriculum) which are sent to schools by the DFEE.
- Any publishes HMI or Inspection reports which refer expressly to the school.
- Any schemes of work currently being used, or syllabuses followed by teachers in the school.
- A copy of arrangements for the consideration of complaints about the school curriculum made by the LEA, and approved by the Secretary of State.
- Information on charging Policies (e.g. for Educational School Visits or Baking etc.).
All this information is available from the Headteacher.
ACCESS TO RECORDS (Education Reform Act, Section 22).
Parents have the right to inspect those of our records relevant to their child/children. There is a procedure for dealing with this. In the first instance the parent should write to the Headteacher, asking to inspect our records.
The right to inspection applies only to manually recorded information.
The Data Protection Act, 1984, applies to computer records.
COMPLAINTS (curriculum) HANDLING
Parental complaints about the curriculum does not cover general behaviour, rules and
procedures of the school, the Headteacher or teachers - this requires a parent to write to the Chair of Governors in the first instance. If you have a query regarding the curriculum please see your child’s class teacher in the first instance. If the issue cannot be resolved then the teacher will pass the matter on to the Headteacher.
SCHOOL POLICY FOR COMPLAINTS (IN GENERAL)
The school and governing body are required to have a system to deal with parental complaints regarding general behaviour, rules and procedures in school. A copy of the complaints procedure document can be obtained from the Headteacher on request..
CHARGING AND REMISSIONS POLICY
If a child is responsible for the deliberate loss or damage to school property or equipment, parents will be asked to contribute towards the cost of the repair/replacement.
School pays for a number of special activities throughout the year but funds are limited.
Parents are asked to make voluntary contributions to school visits and these contributions are non-refundable. A copy of our Charging and Remissions Policy is available on request.