Digital Literacy, Safeguarding and E-Safety

The Scholars’ Education Trust’s Nexus One initiative
At The Highfield School, we believe in providing education for a changing world, a world where digital technology plays a pivotal role in shaping how we learn, communicate, and succeed.

As part of Scholars’ Education Trust’s Nexus One initiative, every student from Year 7 to Year 13 at Highfield has access to an iPad, which is issued upon entry for use both at school and home. This ensures that every learner can connect, create, and thrive both in and beyond the classroom. Digital learning and safety is fully embedded into our curriculum to provide inspiring, high-quality learning experiences that maximise engagement, progress, and independence, whilst not being to the detriment of essential non-digital skills and learning.

Whilst the school heavily subsidises these learning tools, we do ask for an annual donation of £40 or, for those in receipt of Pupil Premium, £15.

Our device programme is particularly important in our vision to eradicate the digital divide for our young people, so if you feel able to donate more than the suggested amount, we would be very grateful for any further contribution that supports that educational aim for the young people of 

All iPads remain the property of the school and must be returned in good condition when a student leaves the school. Charges may be made for damage or loss occurring while the iPad is in a student’s possession, as well as for failure to return the device when leaving the school.

Information about the The Scholars’ Education Trust’s Nexus One initiative

FAQs

What is Nexus One?

Nexus One is the Scholars’ Education Trust’s commitment to connectivity, equity, and opportunity for every learner. Through this transformative initiative, all students and staff across our schools are equipped with an iPad — empowering teaching and learning in ways that were never before possible.

Each iPad provides access to the full curriculum and supports learning both in lessons and at home. This ensures that every child benefits from the highest quality teaching and learning, helping them to reach their full potential.

How will Nexus One enhance teaching and learning?

Our aim is to ensure that every student receives equitable opportunities by addressing inequalities and promoting genuine equity in education. Nexus One ensures that all learners can access learning, whether at school or at home, enabling them to study independently, collaborate effectively, and build vital digital literacy skills.

Each iPad comes preloaded with powerful educational applications (apps) that have been carefully selected to enhance learning. Students receive live feedback in lessons, use interactive tools to deepen understanding, and access resources that strengthen knowledge retention.

Learning extends beyond the classroom, and parents play a crucial role in supporting their child’s progress. Nexus One brings classroom resources into the home, supporting our students at home to reinforce understanding.

Importantly, Nexus One prepares our young people for the future. By using digital tools daily, students develop essential e-safety awareness and gain confidence in using technology — providing a strong foundation for further education and fulfilling, future careers.

Which year groups have iPads?

All students from Year 7 to Year 13 have access to a 1:1 iPad.

Students take their iPads to and from school, using them in class, during extra-curricular activities and events, and at home to support independent and home learning.

What is expected of my child in terms of device care and behaviour?

Devices belong to The Highfield School and therefore, we expect that students treat their iPad with care, as they would any other piece of school equipment. Devices are expected to be charged, stored safely, and brought to school ready for use each day. All use must comply with the school’s expectations and acceptable use policy. Failure to meet these expectations may result in restrictions or sanctions and damage charges.

Will exercise books still be used?

Yes. Handwriting and using pen and paper remain essential skills, and most subjects continue to use exercise books to record and consolidate learning.

What are apps?

‘Apps’ (short for applications) are digital tools or programmes used to support learning. Each child’s iPad comes preloaded with educational apps chosen by teachers to complement the curriculum. Students will not have access to the App Store.

Does the iPad come with a case?
Yes. Every iPad will be issued with a durable case. It is essential that the iPad remains in its case at all times.

If you wish to purchase your own case, it must provide the same level of protection — a rubber or silicone body with reinforced corners and a front cover to protect the screen when not in use. These are also available via the Bromcom shop.

Which model of iPad will be provided?

All students are issued with either a standard 10.2” 9th or 10th Generation Wi-Fi, 64GB iPad (depending on their year group).

Each device includes a wide range of built-in Accessibility features designed to support diverse learning needs. One of the key principles of Nexus One is equity, and these features help remove barriers to learning for many students.

What precautions should we take when charging the iPad?

As with any electrical device, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s safety advice. Full guidance can be found on Apple’s website.

Key points include:

Handling: If the device, battery, or screen is damaged, stop using it immediately and return it to the IT Team - this includes damage to the screen protector; failure to do so can result in subsequent damage to the screen beneath it.

Battery: Do not attempt to replace the iPad battery yourself — return it to the IT Team if it needs servicing.

Charging: Always use the supplied charger. Avoid using third-party or damaged chargers and never charge the iPad if it is wet. Keep the device in a well-ventilated area while charging.

What happens if the iPad is damaged? 

We understand that accidents can happen. If your child’s iPad screen is damaged, please report it to the IT office as soon as possible. When the device is handed in, the IT team  will send a Google Forms incident report to parents/carers to complete. This form allows families to share how the damage occurred and confirm that they understand the repair process.

Once the form has been completed, your child’s tutor will notify them when to collect a loan iPad from the IT office, while the original device is being repaired.

• The first accidental repair (for a standard screen break) will be covered at no cost.
• Subsequent accidental repairs to screens will incur a £50 charge.
• More extensive, malicious or complex damage may result in a higher charge from the first break.

Once the repair and any applicable payments are complete, your child can return the loan iPad and collect their repaired device. Please note that during the repair process, the iPad will be reset and anything not saved to the cloud will be lost.

What happens if the iPad is lost or stolen?

If your child’s iPad is lost, please report it immediately to their tutor and Head of Year. If the device still has charge, our IT Team may be able to trace its last known location and place it in Lost Mode.

If the iPad cannot be located, a replacement fee of £250 will apply (payment plans can be put in place where required and this price is subject to changes in Apple’s pricing). Please note that the device remains the responsibility of the student, and we ask that it is handled and stored carefully at all times.

If the iPad is stolen, the theft must be reported to the police and a crime reference number obtained. This should then be shared with the school.

What happens if my child forgets their iPad or it is not charged?

Students are expected to bring their iPad to school each day, fully charged and ready for use. This is their essential learning tool.

If a student forgets their device or it is uncharged, this will result in an C20. 

What about e-safety? How is this managed?

E-safety is a key priority within Nexus One. We teach students to be responsible, respectful, and safe digital citizens, and all devices are equipped with protective software, filters, and supervision systems while in school. 

At home, parents and carers are responsible for managing WiFi settings and filters appropriately. Information on this can be found here. 

We work in partnership with families to promote the safe and appropriate use of digital devices beyond the school environment. Parents and carers are responsible for ensuring that appropriate supervision, boundaries, and online filtering are in place when students use their devices at home or outside school. 
The school will deliver an annual e-safety information event, either in-person or online, to support families in this role. Digital literacy, parental guidance, and online safety are covered to provide consistent, age-appropriate education in this important area.