Rationale:
At The Nursery we accept that mobile technology is part of the ever changing, digital environment we live and work in.
We very much aim to encourage responsible and appropriate use of technology rather than seeking to enforce unrealistic bans or restrictions.
We are, however, very aware of the possible dangers of the misuse of technology, specifically wearable devices.
This policy therefore aims to provide guidance to staff, parents, and visitors.
Policy Aims:
• Promote and set an example for safe and responsible device usage.
• Set clear guidelines on acceptable use of devices.
• Support the nursery’s other policies, especially those relating to safeguarding and child protection.
It aims to do this ensuring privacy is protected, online safety is preserved, and valuable equipment is looked after appropriately.
The nursery ensures that there is clear guidance for staff, parents, and visitors for use of mobile phones and wearable devices such as smart watches.
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 devices in nursery is planned for.
The policy aims to address some of the challenges posed by devices such as:
• Risks to child protection
• Data protection issues
• Potential for disruption in lessons
• Risk of theft, loss, or damage
This policy covers all timepieces and wearable technology including Smart, digital, and analogue.
We take steps to ensure that there are effective procedures in place to protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults from the unacceptable use of information communication technology (ICT) equipment or exposure to inappropriate materials in the setting.
We ask that staff do not wear smart watches whilst in the nursery setting, if smart watches are to be worn, they must be on airplane mode at all times.
It should only be used as a watch when working with children. Therefore, other functions must be disabled when staff are with the children.
All staff are responsible for enforcing this policy. Classroom based staff are not permitted to make or receive calls or texts during contact time working and teaching children.
Staff use of wearable devices during their working day should be appropriate and only checked during lunch breaks.
In keeping with professional responsibilities and expectations, staff should never contact parents via their own personal wearable device.
Staff should never use their wearable devices to take photographs of children.
The device must not have any recording capability; this includes video, pictures, or sound.
The device, whilst at nursery, MUST NOT be able to connect to the internet. This includes via Wi-Fi or via mobile connectivity such as 3, 4 or 5G.
No content is to be stored on the device that would breach the nursery’s acceptable use policy.
Any member of staff found to misuse a mobile phone or wearable device will be subject to disciplinary action in line with the disciplinary procedure.
It is everybody’s responsibility to enforce this policy, therefore any misuse of devices in room areas should be reported to the DSL in line with the safeguarding and whistleblowing policies and procedures. The Nursery manager and Deputy have a right to spot check that this is the case. If a member of staff is found to have a smart watch on and not in airplane mode it will be removed and stored in the office until the end of shift.