Mobile Phone & Camera Policy
Mobiles
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 ask everyone to respect, to help promote the safety of the children in our care.
We believe our staff should be completely attentive during their hours of work to ensure all children in our care receive good quality care. MOBILE PHONES MUST NOT BE USED DURING WORKING HOURS.
MOBILES MUST BE KEPT ON SILENT OR SWITCHED OFF DURING WORKING HOURS AND LOCKED AWAY.
- Mobiles may only be used on a designated break and only in a child free area.
- Ideally a setting mobile should be used when outside of setting however if this is not available staff may use mobiles for emergency use only
- Personal mobiles must never be used to take photographs of any of the children or any area of the setting
It is the responsibility of all members of staff to be vigilant and report any concerns to the Manager.
Concerns will be taken seriously, logged and investigated appropriately (see safeguarding policy). The Manager or Deputy Manager in their absence reserves the right to check the image contents of a member of staff mobile phone should there be any cause for concern over the appropriate use of it. Should inappropriate material be found then our Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) will be contacted immediately. We will follow the guidance of the LADO as to the appropriate measures for the staff member’s dismissal.
Camera
Photographs taken for the purpose of recording a child or group of children participating in activities or celebrating their achievements is an effective form of recording their progression. However, it is essential that photographs are taken and stored appropriately to safeguard the children in our care.
Policy Adopted: 01/09/2022
Policy Review: 01/09/2024
By: Tanya Parker, Rocketeers Childcare
Written in accordance with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2017): Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements: Complaints [3.74-3.75].
