Smoking, Drugs & Alcohol Policy

These policies apply to both staff and visitors without exception. Access to the pre-school may be denied to any person breaching them.

Smoking

 Groombridge pre-school operates within the village hall.  It is illegal to smoke within the village hall. 

 There is a NO SMOKING policy throughout our pre-school. This applies to both inside the building and the outdoor play area. 

 Smoking is NOT allowed in our outside area while we are in session.  No one else has access to our areas during session.

 The outside area is swept every morning to ensure there is no debris left from other users.

 The participation in smoking outside of working hours is a matter of personal choice for all. However staff, volunteers, students and parent helpers are asked to be aware that the odour of cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products on clothing etc. is not appropriate when in close contact with children.

Alcohol

 The bringing of alcohol onto the premises, without the prior permission of the supervisor, is strictly forbidden. We would ask that if you have purchased alcohol on the way to the pre-school it is left in a car or given to someone for safe keeping prior to entering the premises. If this is not possible, please inform the supervisor or deputy on arrival that you have alcohol and they will make arrangements for its safe keeping until you depart.

 The consumption of alcohol outside of working hours is a personal and private matter. However, anyone who is working in the Pre-school – staff, volunteers, students and parent helpers - should be aware of the length of time it takes for alcohol to be processed by the body and ensure they are not under the influence of alcohol and in a fit state to care for our children during working hours.

Drugs

 Anyone who is working in the pre-school – staff, volunteers, students and parent helpers must inform the supervisor or deputy of any drugs they are carrying. A joint agreement can be made for any precautionary measures that need to be taken to ensure the safety of the children. Should you be taking medication which you are aware could have an adverse effect on you, then you must inform the Supervisor on arrival.

 Staff who need to take medication during the session, e.g. for asthma, diabetes, etc. must inform the supervisor who will ensure it is stored safely, out of the reach of children.

 It is strictly forbidden to bring any non-proprietary drugs onto the premises.

Recreational Drugs

 The use of recreational drugs outside of working hours is a personal and private matter. However, anyone who is working in the pre-school – staff, volunteers, students and parent helpers should be aware of the length of time it takes for said drugs to be processed by the body and ensure they are no longer under the influence and in a fit state to care for our children during working hours.

If We Feel You Are Under the Influence Of Alcohol or Drugs

 Should a parent be suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they drop off or collect their child it is our duty to contact the emergency contact on the entry form for that child to arrange alternative care.  If we are unable to contact anyone it is our duty to call the police.

 Should a member of staff be suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they arrive for work, they will be sent home and disciplinary action will be commenced.

 For Children’s Medicines please see our Medicine Policy

 This policy is known, agreed and implemented by all staff.

This policy is known and made available to parents.

This policy was adopted at The Committee Meeting held on …………………