E-Safety (inc. mobile phones and cameras)

At Millfield Pre-school (MPS) we understand the importance of the use and need of personal technology in everyday life. We also the know the importance of keeping all the children in our care safe from the harm that the use of modern technology can raise. E-safety is about ensuring children are not harmed, placed at risk or bullied through the use of the internet, emails, blogs and social networking sites; or by mobile phones and electronic devices and games.

1. We ensure that:

a. The Lead Practitioner/Manager or Senior Assistant ensures that all staff/visitors who may be carrying personal technology, such as mobile phones, whilst at MPS will guarantee that such devices are kept in the office or staff room whilst children are in the setting.

b. Staff/visitors are allowed to check their mobile phones during their lunch break provided it is done behind closed doors and away from all children.

c. Parents/carers are asked not to use their personal mobile phones whilst on the pre-school premises.

d. The Lead Practitioner/Manager or Senior Assistant may carry the MPS mobile phone with them. This mobile phone has no camera or recording facilities. This mobile phone can be used during the session by afore mentioned staff provided it is for MPS business and staff to children ratios are maintained.

e. The Lead Practitioner/Manager must ensure parents/carers are aware of the MPS mobile telephone number.

f. The MPS mobile telephone number is 07554 177489. This number is for emergencies only, i.e. if you have difficulties contacting MPS by landline, or in the event of a power failure.

g. Personal cameras are only to be used on official Pre-school events when authorised by Senior Staff and in agreement with all parents/carers at these events. We also express the importance that no other child’s image should appear on another parents/carers social networking site. In the event of this, senior staff shall speak to the individual concerned and make instruction for its instant removal. Should the individual not adhere to this request then further legal action by the Pre-school shall be taken.

h. Written consent is obtained from all parents/carers prior to their child/ren’s start date for photographic evidence to be used in their child/ren’s Learning Journey. Should children’s photographs/images be needed for publicity use (i.e our website and/or press releases) then full written consent is obtained from individual children’s parents/carers before publication.

i. Photographs/images taken within the setting on a daily basis supporting each child’s Learning Journey and inside displays are removed from the Pre-school camera at the end of each day. These photographs/images are password protected on the settings computer.

j. Children’s Learning Journeys are securely kept within Pre-school premises at all times and updated within the settings environment. Learning Journeys are brought home termly for your child/ren to share with you.

k. It is never appropriate for staff, Committee members and parents/carers to name or otherwise identify any child or family that they know on a social networking site and it is never appropriate to post pictures of, or to discuss or comment on a child or family within the setting.