Mobile Phone & Wearable Technology Policy

Make, Do & Trend accepts that mobile technology is part of the ever changing digital environment that we live and work in. Make, Do & Trend  continues to foster a ‘culture of safety’ in which the children and staff are protected from abuse, harm, and distress.  We therefore have a clear policy on the acceptable use of mobile phones and other wearable technology that is understood and adhered to by everyone; staff, children and parents.

Abiding by the terms of the Make, Do & Trend’s policy ensures that we all:

·       Protect children from harm and abuse

·       Ensure privacy is respected and online safety is preserved

·       Prevent staff from being subject to false allegations

·       Help staff remain focused on the care of children

·       Work in an open and transparent environment.

With the evolution of mobile and wearable technology including camera facilities as standard, it is of the upmost importance that the way we deal with mobile phones and wearable technology is managed safely.

Staff use of mobile phones and wearable technology

Personal mobile phones belonging to members of staff should be switched off and kept in the kitchen during working hours.

Wearable technology such as Smartwatches and Fitbits (this list is not exhaustive) are permitted to be worn by staff. They may only used as a watch when working with children. This means that all other functions must be disabled (using flight mode) or specify under what terms they are allowed.

If a member of staff needs to make an urgent personal call they can use Make, Do & Trend’s phone or make a personal call from their mobile in kitchen.

If a member of staff has a family emergency or similar and needs to keep their mobile phone to hand, prior permission must be sought from the Manager or Deputy.

Under no circumstances may staff use their personal mobile phones or wearable technology to take photographs during working hours.

Children’s use of mobile phones

Whilst we understand that some children have mobile phones, we actively discourage them from using their phones within our activities and workshops.

Make, Do & Trend does not accept any responsibility for loss or damage to mobile phones brought to our sessions by the children.

Children must not use their mobile phone to take photographs of any kind whilst at our sessions. If they want a photograph of a particular activity they can ask a member of staff to take one using Make, Do & Trend’s camera.

Visitors’ use of mobile phones

In the interest of safeguarding we ask all parents and visitors not to use their phones or other mobile devices on the premises. Taking of photographs by parents or visitors is strictly prohibited. If a parent would like to have a photograph of their child involved in an activity or at play, they can ask a member of staff to take one using Make, Do & Trend’s camera.

Guidance

To safeguard children and practitioners online, our staff will be encouraged to refer to “Safeguarding children and protecting professionals in early years settings: online safety considerations”. (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safeguarding-children-and-protecting-professionals-in-early-years-settings-online-safety-considerations)

Related policies

See also: Safeguarding Children policy.

This policy was adopted by: Make, Do & Trend

Date: 01.10.23

To be reviewed: 01.10.24

Signed: K. Pearce