Internet Safety Policy
Date: July 2026
LC Policy #7
Little Crumpets recognises that the internet is a useful resource for both staff and children, for purposes of research, homework and entertainment. However it must be used with care to ensure that children are kept safe from exposure to harmful material, in accordance with the EYFS safeguarding and welfare requirements and the Prevent Duty.
Children will not be permitted to access the internet whilst attending Little Crumpets. However, they may occasionally observe staff using the internet to support learning and to obtain information in response to questions raised by the children. Any internet access will only be through Little Crumpets' devices via LIttle Crumpets staff, such as the club phone or iPad, which will have the appropriate security settings, filters and safeguarding measures in place.
Guidelines for children
A printed copy of the SMART guidelines is available to all Little Crumpets staff and is kept next to the computer. The guidelines will be discussed, where appropriate, with children who talk about having access to the internet or mobile phones at home, to encourage safe and responsible online behaviour.
Any discussions relating to online safety will be delivered in an age-appropriate and relevant manner. The SMART guidelines are explained to any children who wish to access the internet and are used to promote awareness of how to stay safe online.
- Safe: Keep safe by not giving out personal information – such as name, email, phone number, address, or school name – to people who you don't trust online.
- Meeting: Never agree to meet anyone you have only met online unless your parent or carer is with you.
- Accepting: Do not accept emails or instant messages, or open files, images or texts from people you don't know. They can contain viruses or nasty messages.
- Reliable: Not all the information found on the Internet is reliable and people you meet online won't always be telling the truth.
- Tell: Tell a member of staff or your parents if someone or something you encounter online makes you feel uncomfortable.
Protecting Children
Little Crumpets has put the following safeguards in place to ensure children remain safe whilst seeing content accessed by Little Crumpets staff on the internet on any Little Crumpets devices:
A risk assessment has been undertaken and is reviewed regularly.
Parental controls have been activated on all devices that may be accessible to children.
Google SafeSearch filtering is enabled.
YouTube Restricted Mode is switched on.
Appropriate age restrictions and content filters are in place.
All devices are password protected and equipped with the necessary security software.
Children will only access age-appropriate content under the supervision of a member of staff.
Children are encouraged to speak to a trusted adult if they see anything online that makes them feel uncomfortable or worried.
Children will not be permitted to access the internet whilst attending Little Crumpets.
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See also: Safeguarding Children Policy, Social Media Policy, Mobile Phones policy
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if safeguarding legislation or guidance changes and was written in accordance with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2025): Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements: Safeguarding [3.4 – 3.6].