Policy

Smoking, Drinking and Drugs Policy  

Policy Overview
To provide a clear message to all parents/carers, staff, volunteers and visitors using the nursery about our policies on smoking, illegal drugs and alcohol. It is our policy that the use of alcohol, illegal drugs or tobacco is prohibited/ forbidden in all areas of the nursery, including the garden, entrance and immediate encompassing areas (building, carpark, grounds etc)

Introduction 

The Norfolk Childcare Company Ltd are fully committed to promoting the health and well-being of children, families, employees and other visitors to the nursery. 

We do not condone the misuse of drugs, including alcohol, or smoking. 

Who is this policy aimed at?

This policy applies to all Visitors to any site of The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD Including parents and careers, employees, Volunteers, students, temporary staff, or anyone working for or on behalf of The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD.

Where does this Policy Apply?

• Any location The Norfolk Childcare Company operates

Table of Contents

Introduction 2

Our Policy 2

The Purpose 2

Legislation 2

Smoking 2

Drugs and Alcohol 3

Staff Prescription Medication 3

Ensuring compliance 3

Policy Commencement and Review 3

The Purpose 

This policy aims to include the following aspects:

• To protect the physical, psychological and emotional well-being of all children using the Nursery, their families and staff
• To protect children, parents and staff wherever possible from second-hand smoke
• To provide a clear message to all parents/carers, staff, volunteers and visitors using the nursery about our policies on smoking, illegal drugs and alcohol
• To provide appropriate support to any child thought to be at risk
• To follow the law around smoking, illegal drugs and alcohol

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the premises (including the garden and car park areas). We do not offer smoking breaks, if staff wish to have a cigarette on their unpaid break they must do so offsite and not on nursery grounds. 

We also ask that staff cover or remove their uniform and ensure they do not have contact with children upon returning to the nursery until they have thoroughly washed their hands and ensure no smoke odour remains on their clothes. These measures will be closely monitored by management.

Drugs and Alcohol 

Any staff member who appears to be under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, will be asked to leave the premises immediately. Where necessary disciplinary procedures will begin. If there are serious concerns about a staff member's use of drugs or alcohol outside of their working hours we will review the impact In line with the nursery’s safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare policy.

Under no circumstances will any person be allowed onto the premises under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

Staff Prescription Medication

Prescription and over the counter medicines must not be kept anywhere near children. They are to be locked away in the medication cabinet.

It is the responsibility of the person to whom the medication belongs, to ensure the medication is stored correctly, well away from children.

Misuse of prescription drugs and over the counter drugs, including legal highs is also prohibited at any time. Any staff in breach of this policy will be subject to discipline procedures.

Staff medication must not impair the staff members ability to look after children and perform their duties. If a member of staff is on any medication they should inform their manager immediately. Staff should not wait for their 6 monthly suitability to raise their medication with their manager.

Breach of Policy 

Any breach of this policy will be dealt with seriously. Breaches of this policy will be classed as gross misconduct and will be treated as such and will be treated as such based on our disciplinary policy. 

Legislation 

This policy is informed by the following legislation:

• UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
• The Children Act 1989/ 2004
• The Medicines Act 1968
• The Misuse of Drug Act 1971
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH)
  
  

Policy reviewed R Brown 11.05.2022 

Policy Commencement and Review

V1.0
This policy may be updated and changed without notice.