Computing

At Race Leys Infant School all pupils are given plenty of opportunities to develop both their discrete computing skills and their computational problem-solving skills by experiencing a range of technologies and both plugged and unplugged activities. As well as learning within specific computer science lessons; we actively encourage computing skills to be continually practised throughout the wider curriculum.

We recognise that children of today are digital natives, growing up in a digital world. Our aim from the early years and through key stage 1, is to ensure our children have regular access to the range of information, communication technologies which are available in school. This will enhance learning across the curriculum and equip them to be able to begin to learn how to use technology successfully and safely in their educational lives and beyond.

At the onset of their educational journey, our reception children have opportunities to control simple equipment eg: use digital cameras and use remote controls as well operating the basic functions of a keyboard and mouse and touch screen technology. They continue to develop and build on these skills as they progress through our school. We encourage children to develop an interest and notice technology around the environment and recognise common uses of information technology both in and beyond school. Our children learn to embrace technology purposefully and use it as a tool to enhance their learning, having plenty of opportunities to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve content.

To develop the skills needed in the 21st century digital world, we ensure our children…

will appreciate the evolution of information, communication technology and learn that their digital world is relatively new and rapidly changing.
will learn to regard technology as a necessary tool that can enhance their educational experience and their wider lives.
will earn to send, retrieve and utilise information available at their fingertips.
explore data collection, presentation and analysis.
explore a range of multi-media and communication experiences, including email, e-books, animation and photography and film.

Our children will learn digitally literacy skills and they will...

understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs require precise and unambiguous instructions.
create algorithms both digitally and unplugged.
understand the term ‘debug’ and to debug simple programs.
practise the skill of using logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs.

To ensure the safeguarding of all pupils we ensure our children…

are taught to use technology safely and respectfully.
Know the importance of keeping personal information private, including the purpose of passwords and data protection.
Know that digital identity may not reflect a real identity.
Regard on-line safety as an issue of personal safety which links directly with the ‘taking-care’ learning. As such they know what to do when they get their early warning signs and they know what to do if they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.

ONLINE SAFETY: POPPY PLAYTIME

Poppy Playtime is a horror/puzzle game which involves the player investigating an abandoned toy factory to solve the mystery of what happened.

The game does not appear to have any age restrictions however the developers have recommended for players age 8+.

It is available on PC via Steam and at a cost of £3.99 however there is free related content available on other platforms such as YouTube and TikTok as well as copycat versions available through Roblox and Minecraft. There are multiple chapters of this game along with the Huggy Wuggy game.

The game is designed to appeal to young children however some of the imagery may be frightening to them and the style of gameplay could increase feelings of anxiety or stress. The game isn’t gory but uses child friendly toys in frightening ways which could make young children scared of things they have previously felt comfortable with.

How can you help?

If you become aware of young children playing this game then:

Reassure them they are safe
Talk to them about what they have seen online and how this has made them feel
Encourage open and non-judgemental discussions with young children about what they are seeing online to give reassurance that they can talk to you if they have seen something of concern
Be aware of concerns so that you can monitor what your child can access at home

Useful Resources and Information
Parent advice website https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/Listing/?cat=84&ref=4765&keyWord=

Internet Matters – Dealing with inappropriate content https://www.internetmatters.org/issues/inappropriate-content/

Internet Matters - Advice https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/6-10/#guides
NSPCC – Help with distressing online content
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/inappropriate-explicit-content/distressing-content/

This video on YouTube gives more information on Poppy Playtime.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1-RqyuX_18&t=38s