Carmel Caterpillars Preschool

Carmel Caterpillars Pre-School

Mobile Phone/Electronic Communication Usage Policy

Pre-School Rules on Use of Personal Phones

All parents/carers coming into the Pre-School are prohibited from using their mobile phones at any time whilst on the Pre-School premises. Mobile phones are not allowed to be used to take photographs, or video, any children during any Pre-School events. 

Action will be taken against anyone found to be storing pictures on their mobile phone or found to be using their mobile phone inappropriately. 

Carmel Caterpillars Pre-School accepts that employees will bring their mobile phones to work. Employees are not permitted to have their phone on the Pre-School floor. All mobile phones must be kept in staff members bags, in the designated area ( kitchen). 

Employees are not permitted to make or receive calls/texts during work time, unless they are on a designated break, and away from the Pre-School floor. 

If an employee needs to be contacted urgently, during working hours, staff are asked to give the Pre-School telephone number to the relevant people, ensuring that calls are only received when absolutely necessary. 

Computers and Electronic Communications

E-mail and internet use

Carmel Caterpillars Pre-School encourages its employees and parents to use e-mail to contact us on work related business only, where this can save time and expense. However, it requires that employees ensure that their communication is well structured and professional, just as if a letter was being sent. 

If you are unsure about whether something you propose to do might breach this e-mail and internet guidance, then you should seek advice from your manager. 

Personal blogs

Carmel Caterpillars Pre-School realises that in your own time and on non-work computers, you are free to set up personal weblogs or "blogs" on the internet. Provided that they do not breach the law or disclose any of Carmel Caterpillars Pre-School's confidential information, breach copyright, defame the Pre-School or its suppliers, customers or employees; bring the Pre-School into disrepute, or disclose personal data or information about any individual that could breach the General data Protection Regulations (2018). 

Social networking websites

Carmel Caterpillars Pre-School respects all parents and employee's right to a private life. However, the Pre-School must also ensure that confidentiality and its reputation are protected. It therefore requires that if you use any social networking websites you must:

• refrain from identifying yourselves as working at, or that your child, attends Carmel Caterpillars Pre-School.
• ensure that both parents/carers and employees do not conduct yourself in a way that is detrimental to Carmel Caterpillars Pre-School
• take care not to allow your interaction on these websites to damage working relationships between employees and parents/carers of Carmel Caterpillars Pre-School.

Cyber Bullying

Carmel Caterpillars Pre-School is committed to ensuring that all of its parents/carers and employees are treated with dignity and respect at work. Bullying and harassment of ANY kind will not be tolerated. Cyber-bullying methods include text messages, phone calls, instant messenger services, circulating photos or video clips or posting any abusive or derogatory comments on any websites, blogs or in chat rooms. Personal blogs that refer to colleagues without their consent is also deemed as unacceptable. Employees who cyber-bully could face criminal prosecution under various laws, including the Malicious Communications Act 1988. Carmel Caterpillars Pre-School will take the following steps if any parents/carers, members of their family, or their friends, are found to be in breach of the above.

• Verbal warning
• Written warning
• Exclusion from Pre-School

E- Safety

Children and young people can be exploited and suffer bullying through their use of modern technology such as the internet, mobile phones and social networking sites. In order to minimise the risks to children, Carmel Caterpillars Pre-School will ensure that we have in place appropriate measures such as security filtering and an Acceptable Use Policy linked to our E-Safety policy. We will ensure that all staff are aware of how not to compromise their position of trust in using social networking sites and adhere to our policy. Our E-safety Policy clearly states that mobile phones or electronic devices other than those approved for setting business will not be allowed in the hall with the children. Where it is suspected that a child is at risk from internet abuse or cyber bullying, we will report our concerns to the appropriate agencies. 

The original of this document was signed on behalf of Carmel Caterpillars Pre-School Committee by the current Chairperson.