The welfare, protection, and safety of every child in our care is of paramount importance, and we take our responsibility to safeguard children seriously. We have procedures in place which we expect everyone to adhere to, in order to protect the safety and welfare of the children in our care.

 

SEN Space Care and Respite Services has a no use of mobile phones policy whilst caring for the children in our care. It is our intention to provide an environment in which children, parents and staff are safe from images being recorded and inappropriately used, and in turn eliminating the concern of staff being distracted from their work with children and the inappropriate use of mobile phone cameras around children.

 

 

MOBILE PHONES & SMART WATCHES (APPLE WATCHES)

 

We believe our staff should be completely attentive during their working hours to ensure all children in the setting receive good quality care and support. Mobile phones must not be used during working hours. Staff are permitted to keep their phones switched on in case of urgent calls, but they will be kept in the office, away from children and must be on silent. 

 

Under no circumstances does SEN Space Care and Respite Services allow a member of staff to contact a parent/carer using their personal device.  Users bringing personal devices into nursery must also ensure there is no inappropriate or illegal content on the device. All staff must ensure their mobile phones are kept in the office throughout the sessions with children. Staff are permitted to use their mobile phones during their breaks, and only in the office and away from the children. 

 

The use of apple watches/smart watches etc, are also not permitted. Staff wearing smart watches will be asked to remove them and leave them locked away along with their personal mobile phones in the office. 

 

It is the responsibility of all members of staff to be vigilant and to report any concerns in relation to mobile phone use to the Manager. (See whistleblowing policy)

 

All urgent calls are to be taken from the main line, however if any staff member has a family emergency or similar, their mobile will be kept in the office, and they will be called to take a call.  Prior permission must be sought from the Manager.

 

During outings, a nominated staff member will take the allocated SEN Space mobile phone out with them in case of emergency.  This should only be used for emergency calls and incoming calls from SEN Space, and under no circumstances must a member of staff take a personal call whilst caring for children.  It is the responsibility of all staff members to be vigilant and report any concerns to the Manager or Team Leader.

 

The CEO reserves the right to check the image contents of a member of staff’s mobile phone should there be any cause for concern over inappropriate use of it.  Should inappropriate material be found then Gateway and the EYT will be contacted immediately. Guidance will be followed with regards to the dismissal of the staff member.

 

 

PARENTS AND VISITORS

 

Parents or visitors who either arrive using a mobile phone or take a call on a mobile should be immediately told to end their phone call or leave the premises. Visitors are signed into the SEN Space building and asked to leave their personal belongings and mobile phones in the office area.

 

 

CAMERAS & CAPTURING IMAGES

 

Photographs taken for the purpose of recording a child or group of children participating in activities or celebrating their achievements is an effective form or recording their progression in the Early Years Foundation Stage. However, it is essential that photographs are taken and stored appropriately to safeguard the children in our care. 

 

• Only the designated SEN Space mobile phone or iPad are to be used to take any photo within the setting or on outings. 

• Images taken on these must be deemed suitable without putting the child/children in any compromising positions that could cause embarrassment or distress. 

• All staff are responsible for the location of the mobile or iPad; this should be placed within the office when not in use. 

• Parental permission is obtained from the parent / carer on joining the setting to the use of photographs in the setting and or our social media pages and web page. Any child whose parent has not signed the permission form for photos on social media or web page will not have their photo uploaded.

 

 

This policy is in place to protect and safeguard both children and staff.

 

 

THIS POLICY WAS REVIEWED BY VIKKI BENTON – 10/08/2023