Smoking, drugs and alcohol
The safety of the children in our care is our primary concern, one way to safeguard this is to ensure no adult comes to preschool under the influence of any drug or alcohol, consumes any on site or smokes on site.
There is a strict policy of no smoking, this includes vaping, in and around the Clophill Preschool premises
Smoking is not acceptable in the preschool grounds
No drugs (unless prescribed) or opened alcohol are allowed on preschool property during session
If parents/carers arrive with lit cigarettes they will be asked to extinguish them immediately in a safe and appropriate place or to stop vapes
We ask that parents do not turn up to preschool under the influence of any drugs or alcohol
Staff must adhere to our Third hand smoking policy
Any smoking paraphernalia must be kept in the staff member’s car.
Staff are not permitted to consume alcohol during their contracted hours of work or to care for the children if they have consumed alcohol prior to commencing work or remain under the influence from previous consumption
The same applies to all drugs: where drugs are prescribed by a doctor the management have the right to seek medical advice to confirm that the medication is unlikely to impair the staff member’s ability to look after children
Staff will ensure that all prescribed drugs or medication are stored securely and out of the reach of children
Staff will promote positive role models in health and safety practices in relation to alcohol and drugs
Should a member of staff be found under the influence of alcohol or drugs of any illegal form before or during the opening hours, they will be immediately asked to leave the premises and told to return home - thereafter disciplinary procedures will begin
Procedure in the event of a parent/carer coming to preschool under the influence -
We will manage the incident tactfully to ensure that the professional relationship with the family is maintained
If a senior staff member has any concerns regarding the child’s welfare, we would endeavour to speak to the parent/carer about their child’s needs
We will ensure that there are two staff present when speaking to a parent so that staff should not jeopardise their own safety or others in these situations
In the event that the parent/carer arrives at the preschool under the influence of alcohol or drugs and we deem them to be a risk to the child, we will ask that someone comes with the parent/ carer to take responsibility of the child before a member of staff gives up his/her responsibility of the child
Should this not happen, although we have no legal right to withhold a child from a parent/ carer, we do however, reserve the right to contact any relevant authorities that we may feel appropriate i.e. the police, partner, etc.
If any member of staff feels under threat preschool may contact the police
A full written report will be made of the incident
Your child's safety is our priority and as such this will determine the course of action taken.
Other considerations, further guidance, useful websites etc
https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/alcohol-support-services/
Feb 24