MOBILE PHONE AND SOCIAL NETWORKING POLICY
Social Networking sites have become very popular and provide a great way for people to keep in contact with friends. However, through the open nature of such sites it is also possible for third parties (including Nelmes Pre-School) to access this information. The intention of this policy is not to stop staff and parents from conducting legitimate activities on the internet, but to make them aware of some of the implications that might arise.
The principles set out in this policy should always be followed. If in doubt then details should be discussed in the first instance with the Manager. Social networking sites allow photographs, videos and comments to be shared with thousands of other users.
However, it is not appropriate to share work-related information whether written or pictorial in this way. Staff members should respect the privacy and the feelings of others. Please refer to our Confidentiality Policy.
Staff are in a professional position and are responsible for the care and education of children. Therefore they must not engage in activities on the internet which might bring the setting or its associated employees into disrepute. Our use of social networking applications, such as Facebook, has implications for our duty to safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Aim
· That our duty to safeguard children is maintained
· That the setting is not exposed to legal risk
· That the reputation of the setting is not adversely affected
· That our users are able to clearly distinguish where information provided via social networking applications is legitimately representative of the setting
· That we recognise our legal responsibilities Objectives
· All staff and parents should bear in mind that information they share through social networking applications, even though they are on private spaces, are still subject to copyright, data protection and freedom of information legislation, the safeguarding vulnerable groups act 2006 and other legislation.
· If a member of Staff allows parents to view their social networking page, they must ensure that the relationship remains professional at all times.
· They must ensure that there will be no uploading of photos of staff, or children and their families on any site.
· If any of the above points are not followed then the member of staff involved could face disciplinary action which in turn could lead to dismissal.
Mobile Phones
Nelmes Pre-School accepts that employees will bring their mobile phones to work but in order to fully ensure the protection of the children in my care that certain rules need to be followed.
Procedures
This policy applies to staff, volunteers and visitors.
All staff mobile phones are to be kept in handbags in the back room for the duration of the session and must not be carried about their person during working hours, with the exception of the Pre-school mobile phone. (07708444473).
All visitors and volunteers will also be requested to place their phones in handbags, in the back room.
All parents/carers will be asked to switch off their phone before entering the setting and a “No mobile phone” notice will be clearly displayed at all times.
Staff are not permitted to use recording equipment on their mobile phones to take photographs or videos of children at Nelmes Pre-School. Staff are requested to give the Pre-school hall number (01708 479613) as an emergency contact.
Personal calls should be avoided during working hours. Where it is necessary for staff to make a personal call they should (with the agreement of the Manager) remove themselves from the setting to make the call.
The police will be informed immediately if inappropriate use of a mobile phone is suspected.
If any of the above points are not followed then the member of staff involved could face disciplinary action which in turn could lead to dismissal from their role.
