Case Study:
GEMS Modern Academy
For GEMS Modern Academy, equipping their staff with up-to-date
online safety knowledge is of paramount importance. Dariush Saheli, Head of
School Improvement, explained how staff have embedded a culture of online
safety across the whole school community.
Joining National Online Safety
Reflecting
on GEMS Modern Academy’s journey as a Certified School, Dariush began: “We've
been members of National Online Safety for a long time.”
“We
really looked into the programme, and it was clear that the best thing to do
would be to join as a Certified School.
“We
felt that online safety was an area that we could certainly improve in the
school,” Dariush continued.
“We
appreciated the opportunity that National Online Safety offered, and the fact
it was a one-stop shop for online safety CPD.
“We
knew it was going to be a fantastic tool for us.”
Excellent feedback from all stakeholders
Realising
that staff feedback is pivotal when assessing the impact of an external
provider, Dariush revealed that the response to National Online Safety’s
offering has been overwhelmingly positive.
He confirmed:
“Looking at the statistics, our staff members love the platform and there was
very little push needed from us to get them on board.
“Staff
really appreciate the certificates and the recognition, alongside the fact that
they are improving their knowledge and skills on online safety.”
He
explained: “The teachers see that National Online Safety is helping them to
become better practitioners."
“Our
team have taken to the training and resources really well,” Dariush nodded. "We
haven't needed a lot of management on the platform.
“Although
I have been setting courses and webinars to be completed, people are going
above and beyond that, which is nice.”
Increasing parental engagement
Parents
and carers can play a huge role in preventing their child from being exposed to
harmful online content and behaviours, so GEMS Modern Academy focused on
increasing that parental engagement.
“Our
parents and carers appreciate the platform too,” Dariush commented. “Since the
pandemic and the introduction of remote learning, technology is being used a
lot more.”
“This
programme is current and relevant,” he stated. “It allows parents and carers to
open that dialogue at home.”
Dariush
expressed his appreciation for the Certified School programme, highlighting the
amount of knowledge, awareness and learning for all stakeholders involved.
“It's
helping the whole school community,” he smiled. “We're very, very happy with
the programme.
"From
an accreditation point of view, it's great too,” Dariush elaborated. “It shows
that we are a school that encourages best practice in terms of online safety.
“But it's more than just ticking a box: it's so useful, and it's starting those important conversations around online safety.”