Online safety

At our nursery, we value the importance of play, imagination, and face-to-face interaction in the early years. While we choose not to use technology within our pre-school setting—believing that young children learn best through hands-on experiences with their peers—we still recognise the growing role that digital technology plays in children’s lives. That’s why we believe it’s important to start teaching online safety from a young age.

We introduce these ideas through engaging, age-appropriate stories such as Digiduck and Chicken Clicking, which help children begin to understand how to stay safe online in a fun and relatable way. During circle time, we also have gentle discussions about how to stay safe by not talking to strangers or sharing personal information, whether in real life or online. These early conversations help children develop an awareness of safety that will support them as they grow and encounter more of the digital world.

If you’re ever unsure about how to support your child online, or if you have concerns about something they may be experiencing, our team is always here to help. We’re happy to have a chat and offer guidance, or point you towards useful resources.

Helpful links for parents and carers:

Childnet: Keeping under-fives safe online
Internet Matters: Guidance for parents of pre-schoolers
Nailing online safety - BBC Teach
Keeping children safe online | NSPCC

Online safety book resources at home:

Digiduck’s Big Decision By Lindsay Buck (Childnet International) and Ciara Flood (ages 3-7)
Chicken Clicking By Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross (ages 3+)
Troll Stinks By Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross (ages 3+)
The Internet is like a Puddle By Shona Innes and Irisz Anocs (ages 3-9)
Webster’s Email By Hannah Whaley (ages 3-8)
Webster’s Bedtime By Hannah Whaley (ages 3-8)
Dot By Randi Zuckerberg and Joe Berger (ages 3-8)
Once Upon a Time… Online: Happily Ever After Is Only a Click Away (ages 3-11)