Mobile Phones, Cameras, Tablet and Video Device Policy
Mobile phone cameras, tablets, smartwatches and other camera or video devices are now a common feature of society. Increasing sophistication of this technology and the integration of cameras and videos in everyday objects presents the potential of child protection and data protection issues.
Mobile phones must not be used in the nursery by staff or parents for any purpose i.e. phoning, texting or surfing the internet. Failure to follow this policy will be considered as a significant breach of our safeguarding procedures and is likely to result in disciplinary action being taken.
Staff and parents may not take photos or videos in the nursery, or possess or use photos or videos taken in the nursery, outside of the setting including storage or sharing on tablets, mobile phones, the Internet and social networking sites such as Facebook and others.
The nursery mobile phone, used for outings, does not have a camera for safeguarding reasons.
Staff mobile phones may not be used whilst on duty and must be stored in staff rooms or areas and kept away from any areas where children might be. Failure to properly adhere to this at any Hopscotch site might mean that more stringent measures, such as phones being checked-in and locked away, could be introduced.
The Nursery Management Team should be aware of staff wearing smartwatch devices whilst responsible for looking after children. They should be aware of the possibility of such devices potentially having camera and photograph capability. They should also be aware that such devices can relay messages and other notifications from mobile phones which could present a distraction to staff when they should be focusing at all times on the care of the children at the nursery. If the Nursery Management Team has concerns about the suitability of staff wearing smartwatches whilst at work they should take steps to act on these and put measures in place as needed. This is the responsibility of the Nursery Management Team.
Staff members may not use any unauthorised camera or video device in the nursery. Failure to adhere to this policy will be taken extremely seriously and could lead to disciplinary action.
Staff members and parents should report any suspicious activity immediately to a relevant member of staff or the Nursery Management Team. Alternatively if they are not comfortable doing this they should contact other company DSLs or contact Head Office office@hopscotch.uk.com
DSLs and other senior nursery staff are responsible for managing their own devices at settings and ensuring that staff are properly trained to use them and understand how the tablets should be used. This should be covered in inductions and also in supervisions and other training sessions.
Head Office will install suitable blocker software on each tablet to be used in a nursery setting in order to help ensure they are not used for purposes other than they are intended for. Nurseries should contact Head Office immediately if they have any concern such software is not operating correctly.
Use of Photos and Videos at Hopscotch
Hopscotch undertakes the safe, responsible, and appropriate use of photography, photographs and videos in the nursery. The overriding principle is that photographs or videos of children are taken with due regard to the law and the need to safeguard children’s privacy, dignity, safety and well-being.
If needed, photographs will be developed into prints using reputable and traceable sources i.e. large stores or online developers.
Digital photographs and videos are used in the nursery setting for a variety of reasons, for example, displays boards, Learning Journeys, newsletters, activity resources, website and on-line EYFS software. Photos may also be occasionally used in other children’s learning journeys. Photos are activity-focused and names of the children in the photo are not shared.
Parents are made aware of photo and video usage when they register with Hopscotch and consent is requested. The Nursery Management Team and nursery staff need to be aware of consent arrangement for the children in their care. The Hopscotch Marketing Manager will be guided by the nursery setting when organising photographs and events.
Hopscotch cameras and digital tablets must be kept in a secure place. However, practitioners should have reasonable access to record children’s achievements.
Photos of staff will sometimes be used in children’s online learning journeys and may be used on display boards, the Hopscotch website and social media. Consent will be sought for this.
Staff may not possess or use photos, digital photos or videos taken in the nursery outside of the setting including storage or sharing on mobile phones, the Internet and social networking sites such as Facebook.
Staff must report any concerns about inappropriate use of cameras, tablets or photos to the Nursery Manager immediately.
Digital photos and videos must be deleted from nursery cameras and tablets within a reasonable time frame and unused photo prints of children must be given to parents or destroyed after the child has left Hopscotch.
The Hopscotch Marketing and Communications Manager or Hopscotch Curriculum Development Manager might use their own equipment for taking pictures of children and editing them for marketing purposes. In such scenarios Hopscotch has provided them with a Hopscotch device or hard drive for storage of these images. Any other images should always be promptly deleted as soon as is reasonably practicable.