Digital Technology Policy

Digital technology plays an important role in modern life, communication, and learning.

At Earlston and Newtown Primaries, we empower our pupils to use digital tools thoughtfully, creatively, and responsibly to enhance their educational journey.

📱 Access to Technology: From ELC to Primary 7
We build digital confidence progressively throughout your child’s time at school:
  • Early Learning & Childcare (ELC) to Primary 3: Children access digital tools from ELC onwards. Pupils in ELC through P3 use shared banks of iPads during planned learning experiences, along with programmable tools like Bee-Bots and Spheros to develop early coding and computational thinking skills.
  • Primary 4 to Primary 7 (1:1 iPads): From P4 onwards, as part of Scottish Borders Council’s Inspire Learning initiative, every pupil receives their own 1:1 iPad for use in class and at home.

📝 SBC iPad Agreement & Bringing Devices Home
To allow P4–P7 pupils to bring their 1:1 iPad home for homework and independent learning, parents/carers must sign the SBC iPad Agreement.
  • Parent/Carer Expectations: By signing, parents agree to monitor iPad use at home, ensure the device is cared for and brought to school fully charged each day, and report any loss or damage promptly.
  • Document Uploads: The agreement form and full guidance booklets are uploaded below for your convenience.

🛡️ Our Commitment: Safeguarding & Responsible Use
Keeping our children safe online is our highest priority. Our robust safeguarding measures include:
  • Central Management & Filtering: Devices are managed via Scottish Borders Council’s Mobile Device Management (MDM) system. Web content is filtered and monitored both at school and when connected to home Wi-Fi. Non-educational games and unapproved apps are restricted.
  • Classroom Monitoring: Teachers use tools such as Apple Classroom to monitor screens, guide tasks, and lock devices when needed.
  • Explicit Cyber Safety Teaching: Online safety, privacy, digital wellbeing, and healthy digital habits are taught regularly as part of the curriculum.

⚖️ A Balanced Approach to Learning
Digital technology is used to enhance teaching, not replace traditional learning.
  • Value-Added Use: Technology is integrated when it adds genuine value—such as providing visual modelling, personalised support, immediate feedback, or creative multimedia expression.
  • Balanced Curriculum: Digital learning tasks are balanced alongside non-technology activities, including teacher discussions, group work, reading physical books, outdoor learning, and hand-written tasks.
  • No Set Screen Time: Devices are used purposefully as one of many learning tools. Screen time is monitored, and devices are strictly put away during break and lunchtimes.

📄 Key Information & Documents
Below are key documents governing our digital strategy (available for download):
  1. Digital Technology Policy (September 2026): Outlines the rationale, progression of skills, digital literacy framework, safeguarding protocols, and common parent FAQs regarding screen time, data privacy, and curriculum delivery.
  2. Inspire Learning Parent Information Booklet: Provides families of P4–P7 pupils with details on the £16m Scottish Borders Council digital initiative, including device care, home use monitoring, and software management.
  3. SBC iPad Parental Information & Agreement Form: The official agreement required for P4–P7 pupils to take their assigned device home. Outlines home monitoring responsibilities and procedures for reporting accidental damage, loss, or theft.