Staff mobile phone policy.

Staff Mobile Phone Policy

Eikoh Childcare centres wish to foster a child safe environment in which the children and staff are protected from harm. We have developed this policy on the use of personal mobile phones that must be adhered to by all educators. Abiding by the centre’s mobile phone policy ensures that we:

• Protect the children from harm

• Prevent staff from false allegations

• Ensure staff remain focused on the care of children

• Work in an open and transparent environment

Procedure

• The physical possession or use of mobile phones and other personal communication devices by educators will not be allowed whilst that educator is with the children and/or counted in educator/child ratios.

• Educators’ mobile phones must remain in staff lockers whilst the educator is in the classroom/storeroom/play areas/kitchen/bathroom/nappy change areas and only used away from these areas whilst on breaks or outside shift times.

• Mobile phones must not be carried on the educator in their pocket or be located in the classroom, storeroom, kitchen, outdoor area, bathrooms or nappy change area.

• If educators have a personal emergency, or need to be contacted during work hours they are free to use the centre’s phone.

• If infrequent extenuating circumstances exist, the educator must talk to the Director or Responsible person on the day to determine a plan based on each individual situation.

• Educators who believe they have extenuating circumstances on a regular basis will be asked to evaluate their ability for successful ongoing employment within the childcare sector.

The Centre Manager/Director/Assistant director may, at times be required to have a mobile phone with them whilst they are rostered on and working directly with the children for communication and direct contact purposes. If this is the case, they must adhere to acceptable use guidelines and only use in circumstances as below:

• Communication regarding staffing i.e. Z recruitment app

• In the event of an emergency

Unacceptable use:

Directors are not permitted to use their personal mobile phone to make personal calls, check or send personal messages, check social media, or reply to emails whilst supervising the children. They must ensure that the use of mobile phones and other electronic devices does not interfere with their duty of care of the children.

Wearable Technology Devices – We recognise that the presence of wearable technology device such as Smart watches, Fitbits, Apple watches etc is growing. Inappropriate use of wearable technology devices by staff will be included in this policy.

Disciplinary Action

Management will follow disciplinary action if staff violate this policy. Staff may be given verbal and/or written warnings and may face disciplinary action up to and including termination for unacceptable use of mobile phones or wearable technology devices.