Smart online choices support safe and confident learning.
Online Safety at ONELAB College
Keeping learners safe online is an essential part of safeguarding at ONELAB College. We know that digital technology plays a big role in learning, communication, independence and preparing for adulthood.
Our role is to help learners use technology safely, confidently and responsibly.
Online safety is not an add on. It is built into everyday learning and support across the College.
How We Keep Learners Safe
We actively work to protect learners from online risks, including bullying, exploitation, inappropriate content, scams and misuse of personal information.
Online safety is embedded within:
The curriculum and preparation for adulthood programmes
Personal development and life skills learning
Individual support plans where additional guidance or supervision is needed
Support is always tailored to the individual. This may include clear rules, visual supports, supervised use of devices and regular reminders about safe online behaviour.
Specialist Online Safety Education
To strengthen understanding and awareness, ONELAB College works with the Breck Foundation, who visit the College to deliver specialist online safety sessions.
These workshops are clear, practical and needs led, helping learners to:
Stay safe online
Recognise risky situations
Understand online grooming and exploitation
Know how and when to ask for help
This work supports our wider safeguarding and personal development approach.
Safeguarding and Monitoring
Online safety is supported through strong safeguarding practice:
All staff receive regular safeguarding and online safety training
Internet use in College is filtered and monitored
Learners are encouraged and supported to speak up
Any concerns are recorded and managed in line with our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
Where needed, concerns are shared with external agencies to ensure the right support is in place.
Use of Technology
Learners may use computers, tablets, mobile devices and assistive technology as part of their learning.
Use is always risk assessed and matched to the learner’s age, needs and level of independence, with clear expectations for safe and appropriate use.
Working with Parents and Carers
We work closely with parents and carers to support safe online use at home and in college.
We share advice, respond to concerns and aim for consistent expectations to help learners stay safe in all settings.
Online Safety Support for Parents and Carers
The following organisations provide trusted advice and practical support:
Internet Matters:
Online safety guidance for families, including SEND-specific resources
https://www.internetmatters.org
NSPCC – Online Safety:
Advice on risks, conversations and protecting young people online
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
Thinkuknow (CEOP):
Information about online abuse, exploitation and staying safe
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/
UK Safer Internet Centre:
Helpline and guidance for online safety concerns
Childnet:
Clear resources to support positive and safe online experiences
Reporting Concerns
Parents, carers and learners can raise concerns with the ONELAB College’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at any time.
Concerns about online abuse or exploitation can also be reported directly to CEOP at: