I understand that I must use school systems in a responsible way, to ensure that there is no risk to my safety or to the safety and security of the systems and other users. I recognise the value of the use of digital technology for enhancing learning and will ensure that students/pupils receive opportunities to gain from the use of digital technology. I will, where possible, educate the young people in my care on the safe use of digital technology and embed online safety in my work with young people.

 1. For my professional and personal safety:

·         I understand that the school will monitor my use of the ICT systems, email and other digital

communications.

·         I understand that the rules set out in this agreement also apply to use of school ICT systems (e.g. laptops, email, etc.) out of school.

·         I understand that the school ICT systems are primarily intended for educational use and that I will only use the systems for personal or recreational use within the policies and rules set down by the school.

·         I will not disclose my username or password to anyone else, nor will I try to use any other person’s username and password.

·         I will immediately report any illegal, inappropriate or harmful material or incident, I become aware of, to the appropriate person. 

2. Personal mobile phones should not generally be needed or used by staff, except as set      out in the guidelines below:

• •      Should Staff need to use their mobile phone, the best practice is that mobile phones, wherever possible, should not be used in the presence of the children.
• •      Mobile phones should not be used during lesson times either to make or receive calls unless there is an emergency.
• •      Staff should never give their mobile phone number to any pupils. This also includes past pupils under the age of 18 years.
• •      Staff should not give their mobile number to parents. However, the school is aware that some staff members are also parents at the school and this may, in some instances, be necessary.
• •      Staff may use their mobile phones when responsible for children away from school, only to communicate arrangements to parents or colleagues or for emergency purposes.
• •      No photographs, videos or images of children should be captured using a personal mobile phone in any setting.

  3. I will be professional in my communications and actions when using school ICT  systems:

·         I will not access, copy, remove or otherwise alter any other user’s files, without their express permission.

·         I will communicate with others in a professional manner; I will not use aggressive or inappropriate language and I appreciate that others may have different opinions.

·         I will not use my personal equipment to record images unless I have permission to do so. Where these images are published (e.g. on the school website), it will not be possible to identify by name, or other personal information, those who are featured.

·         Personal social media accounts are not to be accessed at school. Information shared on these sites should never compromise the school’s duty to provide the highest possible standard of education or bring the school’s reputation into distribution. Staff who have genuine concerns about any school matter should follow school current guidelines and policies (e.g. whistle-blowing) to resolve issues and not networking sites. Staff should report all contact through networking sites which may concern them to the Headteachers. Examples may include: a child below 13 on Facebook requesting to be a friend or inappropriate comments by a parent-directed to themselves.

·         I will only communicate with pupils and parents/carers using official school systems. Any such communication will be professional in tone and manner.

·         I will not engage in any online activity that may compromise my professional responsibilities.

 4. The school and the local authority have the responsibility to provide safe and secure access to technologies and ensure the smooth running of the school:

·         For any personal devices that connect to the school network, I will ensure that any such devices are protected by up to date anti-virus software and are free from viruses.

·         I will not use personal email addresses on the school ICT systems for pupils’ personal data.

·         I will not open any attachments to emails, unless the source is known and trusted, due to the risk of the attachment containing viruses or other harmful programmes.

·         I will ensure that my data is regularly backed up, in accordance with relevant school policies.

·         I will not upload, download or access any materials which are illegal (child sexual abuse images, criminally racist material, adult pornography covered by the Obscene Publications Act) or inappropriate or may cause harm or distress to others. I will not try to use any programmes or software that might allow me to bypass the filtering / security systems in place to prevent access to such materials.

·         I will not install or attempt to install programmes of any type on a machine, or store programmes on a computer, nor will I try to alter computer settings, without prior consultation with the school’s Computing Coordinator.

·         I will not disable or cause any damage to school equipment, or the equipment belonging to others.

·         I will only transport, hold, disclose or share personal information about myself or others, as outlined in the School / LA Personal Data Policy.

·         I understand that data protection policy requires that any staff or pupil data to which I have access, will be kept private and confidential, except when it is deemed necessary that I am required by law or by school policy to disclose such information to an appropriate authority.

·         I will immediately report any damage or faults involving equipment or software, however, this may have happened to the Computing Coordinator.

6. I understand that I am responsible for my actions in and out of school: 

·         I understand that this Acceptable Use Policy applies not only to my work and use of school ICT equipment in school, but also applies to my use of school ICT systems and equipment out of school and my use of personal equipment in school or in situations related to my employment by the school.

·         I understand that if I fail to comply with this Acceptable Use Agreement, I could be subject to disciplinary action. This could include a warning, a suspension, referral to Governors and/or the Local Authority and in the event of illegal activities the involvement of the police.