Internet Safety Policy

(Updated EYFS September 2025)

Policy Statement: At Just Little Ones Childminding, we prioritise the safety and well-being of all children in our care, including their use of the internet and electronic devices. This Internet Safety Policy outlines our approach to promoting safe and responsible internet usage in our childminding setting, aligning with the EYFS 2025 requirements.

Internet Usage Guidelines:

  • Children will have supervised and limited access to the internet during their time in the childminding setting.
  • Internet usage will be primarily for educational and age-appropriate purposes, such as educational games and research activities.

Age-Appropriate Content:

  • All online content and websites accessed by children will be carefully selected to ensure suitability for their age and developmental stage, following EYFS 2025 guidelines.
  • Childminders will review and pre-approve websites and applications before children use them.

Supervision and Monitoring:

  • Children’s internet usage will be supervised by childminders to ensure their safety and to prevent inappropriate content or interactions.
  • Childminders will be present and actively engaged during online activities.

Privacy and Data Protection:

  • Children’s personal information and images will not be shared online without explicit parental consent.
  • Childminders will ensure that any online platforms used for educational purposes prioritise privacy and data protection, complying with GDPR regulations.

Cyberbullying Prevention:

  • Children will be educated about the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, both online and offline.
  • Any instances of cyberbullying or negative online interactions will be addressed promptly and appropriately.

Password Protection:

  • Childminders will ensure that devices used by children are password-protected to prevent unauthorised access to sensitive information.
  • Children will not be allowed to share passwords or personal information with others.

Educating Children:

  • Children will receive age-appropriate education on internet safety, including potential risks and how to respond to them, in line with EYFS 2025 educational objectives.
  • Topics such as not sharing personal information online and understanding the concept of online strangers will be covered.

Parental Consent and Communication:

  • Parents or legal guardians will be required to provide written consent for their child to access the internet while in the childminding setting.
  • Parents will be informed about the childminding setting’s internet safety measures and educational activities.

Reporting Concerns:

  • Childminders will remain vigilant for any signs of inappropriate internet usage or online interactions.
  • Any concerns or incidents will be reported to parents, and appropriate action will be taken to address the situation.

Alignment with EYFS 2025 Changes:

  • This policy aligns with EYFS 2025 updates by emphasising digital literacy, online safety education, and safeguarding children from potential online risks. The practices outlined ensure compliance with the revised standards, maintaining a safe and educationally enriching online environment for children.

Review and Monitoring:

  • This policy will be reviewed annually or more frequently if required to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with any changes in legislation or local guidelines.
  • Feedback from staff and parents will be welcomed to continuously improve our internet safety practices.

Signed: Jemma & Dale Ferriday
Date: August 2025
Review Date: April 2027