Back to school September 2026
This page is full of useful resources, advice and information about going back to school and what you need to consider for the new school year. You will find curriculum planning, online safety calenders, information to help engage parents and how you can improve your online safety provisions and practices.
Preparing for Back-to-School: Online Safety and Wellbeing
As the summer holidays draw to a close and students return to school, their daily routines undergo significant changes—adapting to early mornings, managing homework, and reconnecting with classmates. With the initial weeks of the term upon us, it is an opportune moment to emphasise the importance of online safety and digital well-being for both students and educators. Utilising the resources provided by SWGfL can effectively prepare them for a successful school year ahead.
Online Safety Teaching Resources
Teaching online safety in schools is more vital than ever. Internet Matters have designed online safety teaching resources to help educators guide children and parents to stay safe online in their daily lives.
Online Safety Calendar
Childnet's annual ‘Online Safety Calendar’ offers you engaging ways of incorporating online safety advice into the curriculum.
Be Internet Legends teaching resources
Be Internet Legends, developed by Google in collaboration with Parent Zone, is an Ipsos-evaluated educational program tailored for primary schools in the United Kingdom.
Be Internet Legends is designed to facilitate planning, delivery, and tracking for educators. As part of a comprehensive initiative, it equips children with the essential skills and behaviours necessary to navigate the online world safely and confidently.
Connect School to Home
Presentation packs to support parents. Internet Matters have designed the below resources to support parents and carers as they tackle their child’s online safety.
Digital Matters
The Digital Matters platform from Internet Matters uses free interactive lessons and dynamic storytelling to help teachers engage young people in online safety lessons.
Teachers and school staff
Educators, social workers, and other professionals who work with children and young people play a crucial role in ensuring online safety. The UK Safer Internet Centre advocates for the integration of online safety within the curriculum and the operations of organisations through a robust framework of effective policies and clearly defined reporting mechanisms for concerns such as cyberbullying. While it is essential to support young individuals in navigating online spaces safely, it is equally important for staff members to safeguard their own online reputations, particularly when engaging with social networking sites.
Reviewing Online Safety Policy and Practice
As the new school year commences, it is imperative for schools and colleges nationwide to prioritise the review of their Online Safety Policies. Given the rapid evolution of technology and the associated risks, it is essential for educational institutions to stay informed and proactive. The SWGfL has developed valuable resources and support materials, including details about a self-review tool to assist schools in this endeavour.