Child Protection- Use of Mobiles/Cameras

Safeguarding and Welfare Requirement: Child Protection.

Providers must have and implement a policy, and procedures, to safeguard children.

CHILD PROTECTION

1.6 Use of mobile phones and cameras

Policy statement

We take steps to ensure that there are effective procedures in place to protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults from the unacceptable use of mobile phones and cameras in the setting.

Procedures

Personal Mobile Phones

Personal mobile phones belonging to members of staff are not used when staff are on duty.
At the beginning of each individual’s shift, personal mobile phones are stored in a lockable box situated in the Ark kitchen .
In the event of an emergency, personal mobile phones may be used in the privacy of the office, with permission from the manager.
Members of staff ensure that the telephone number of the setting is known to immediate family and other people who need to contact them in an emergency.
When members of staff take children on outings, they only take the settings mobile phone for use in the case of an emergency, they must not make or receive personal calls as this will distract them.
Members of staff will not use their personal mobile phones for taking photographs of children on outings.
Parents and visitors are requested not to use their mobile phones whilst on the premises. There is an exception if a visitor’s company or organisation operates ‘alone working’ policy that requires contact with their office periodically throughout the day. Visitors will be advised of a quiet space where they can use their mobile phone, where there are no children present.

Cameras and videos

Members of staff must not bring their own cameras or video recorders into the setting.
Photographs and recordings of children are only taken for valid reasons, i.e. to record their learning and development, or for displays within the setting.
Photographs or recordings of children are only taken on equipment belonging to the setting.
Camera and video use is monitored by the setting manager.
Where parents request permission to photograph or record their own children at special events, permission will first be gained from all parents for children who will be included.
Photographs and recordings of children are only taken of children if there is written permission to do so (found on the individual child’s Registration Form).

Smart watches

Smart watches can be worn by staff. Staff are reminded not to check emails or notifications while in work.
Many smart watches require access to phones to be able to take a photo therefore as the staff do not have phones during session times smart watches are able to be worn during work hours.

This policy was adopted at a meeting of BCC – The Ark Preschool & Daycare

Held on April 2024

Date to be reviewed April 2025

Signed on behalf of the provider

Name of signatory: Arzu Subasi

Role of signatory (e.g. chair, director or owner): Manager