Approved by the Governing Body: Autumn Term 2022
Date of next review: Autumn 2024
Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School
Social Networking Policy
Introduction
Social networking activities conducted online outside work, such as blogging (writing personal
journals to publicly accessible internet pages), involvement in social networking sites such as
Facebook, Myspace or Twitter, and posting material, images or comments on sites such as You Tube
can have a negative effect on an organisation’s reputation or image.
In addition, Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School has a firm commitment to safeguarding
children in all aspects of its work. This policy has been written to set out the key principles and code
of conduct that we expect of all members of staff with respect to their responsibilities in connection
with the use of social networking sites.
Key Principles
• Everyone at Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School has a responsibility to ensure that
they protect the reputation of the school, and to treat colleagues and members of the school
with professionalism and respect.
• It is important to protect everyone at Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary from allegations
and misinterpretations which can arise from the use of social networking sites.
• Safeguarding children is a key responsibility of all members of staff and it is essential that
everyone at considers Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary this and acts responsibly if they
are using social networking sites out of school. Anyone working in the school either as a paid
employee or volunteer must not communicate with pupils past and present via social
networking.
• This policy relates to social networking outside work. Blogging and accessing social networking
sites at work using school and personal devices equipment is not permitted.
• This policy is not covered by the Chatham House rule and therefore no communications
irrespective of their anonymity should be shared that relate to any specific event, protocol,
pupil or person at Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School.
Aims
• To set out the key principles and code of conduct expected of all members of staff, governors,
Friends and volunteers at Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School with respect to social
networking.
• To further safeguard and protect children and staff.
Approved by the Governing Body: Autumn Term 2022
Date of next review: Autumn 2024
Code of Conduct for Everyone at Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School
Social Networking
The following are not considered acceptable at Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School: ·
• The use of the school’s name, logo, or any other published material without written prior
permission from the Headteacher. This applies to any published material including the
internet or written documentation.
• The posting of any communication or images which links the school to any form of illegal
conduct or which may damage the reputation of the school. This includes defamatory
comments.
• The disclosure of confidential or business-sensitive information; or the disclosure of
information or images that could compromise the security of the school.
• The posting of any images of employees, children, governors or anyone directly connected
with the school whilst engaged in school activities.
In addition to the above everyone at Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School must
ensure that they:
• Do not make any derogatory, defamatory, rude, threatening or inappropriate comments
about the school, or anyone at or connected with the school.
• Use social networking sites responsibly and ensure that neither their personal/professional
reputation or the school’s reputation is compromised by inappropriate postings.
• Are aware of the potential of on-line identity fraud and to be cautious when giving out
personal information about themselves which may compromise their personal safety and
security.
Potential and Actual Breaches of the Code of Conduct
In instances where there has been a breach of the above Code of Conduct, the following will
apply:
• Any breaches of this policy will be fully investigated. Where it is found that there has been a
breach of the policy this may result in action being taken under the Disciplinary Procedure. A
breach of this policy will be considered to be a serious disciplinary offence, contrary to the
school’s ethos and principles.
• The Governing Body will take appropriate action in order to protect the school’s reputation
and that of its staff, parents, governors, children and anyone else directly linked to the school.
Approved by the Governing Body: Autumn Term 2022
Date of next review: Autumn 2024
This document is a statement of the aims, principles and practice at Our Lady Immaculate
Catholic Primary School.
The policy will be reviewed every two years.
In the context of this policy “everyone” refers to members of staff, governors, Friends and
anyone working in a voluntary capacity