Online safety is now a core part of safeguarding, and a key focus in Ofsted inspections.
Whether you’re preparing for inspection or strengthening your safeguarding culture, online safety training and internet safety workshops are essential to ensuring pupils, staff, and parents are equipped to stay safe online.
In this short video, we share five practical steps that help schools meet Ofsted expectations and build a digitally safe environment for every learner.
Step 1: Review and Assess Your Online Safety Provision
Schools are expected to regularly assess their online safety provision, supported by a risk assessment that reflects the challenges their pupils face.
Tools such as SWGfL’s 360 Degree Safe Audit or a simple internal review can identify gaps and provide a clear improvement plan.
👉 Tip: Build online safety reviews into your annual safeguarding cycle. Online risks evolve, and your approach should evolve too.
Step 2: Train All Staff in Online Safety
Online safety training should be part of every induction, and refreshed regularly for all staff.
Effective training ensures staff can:
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Understand online harms such as grooming, peer pressure and content exposure
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Report concerns quickly and correctly
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Model safe online behaviour and support pupils
It’s not about adding more CPD; it’s about ensuring your safeguarding training remains complete and current.
Step 3: Embed Online Safety Across the Curriculum
Online safety isn’t confined to computing lessons. The Education for a Connected World framework outlines what pupils should learn at each key stage, from managing online relationships to recognising misinformation.
You can integrate e-safety lessons through:
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PSHE and RSE education
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English and drama discussions
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Whole-school assemblies or tutor sessions
Embedding internet safety in schools helps pupils build digital resilience and make safer online decisions every day.
Step 4: Strengthen Your Policies and Systems
Ofsted will expect to see that your online safety policy is known, followed, and actively used by all staff.
That means:
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Having effective filtering and monitoring in place
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Ensuring staff understand reporting procedures
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Reviewing policies with DSLs and IT leads
A strong system is more than paperwork — it builds confidence and consistency in how your school manages online risks.
Step 5: Lead a Whole-School Approach
Online safety is most effective when it’s owned by the whole community:
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Pupils who know they’re listened to
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Parents who feel informed and empowered
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Governors who understand online risks and oversight
When online safety becomes part of school culture, it moves beyond compliance — it becomes a lived practice that supports every child.
Recommended Online Safety Resources
If you’d like to explore further, these trusted organisations provide excellent guidance for schools:
How OpenView Education Can Help
At OpenView Education, we support schools across the UK with engaging, drama-based internet safety workshops and whole-school online safety training.
Our sessions cover pupils, staff, parents, and governors, ensuring your approach to e-safety meets Ofsted expectations and supports your entire community.
🎓 Book your Internet Safety Training today and feel confident that your school is digitally safe, Ofsted-ready, and fully supported.
