Smoking, Alcohol and other drugs Policy

It is my policy to ensure that children are in a smoke-free environment whilst in my care. This includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaporized cigarettes and any other kind of smoke related cigarettes.

I will ensure that when I am looking after the children that I, nor anyone else who has contact with these children, is under the influence of alcohol or any other drug which may affect my or their ability to look after the children or put them in harm’s way. This may include the parents or carers of the children that I look after. If I can smell alcohol on their breath or believe they are acting in an unsafe manner I will follow the procedure below.

Procedure

No-one smokes in any room where the children in my care are present or about to be present.

No-one smokes in an outside play area when the children in my care are present or about to be present.

No-one smokes electronic or vapor cigarettes on my premises either inside or out.

If, in exceptional circumstances, the children in our care are expected to use any space that has been used for smoking then I will ensure that there is adequate ventilation to clear the atmosphere and I will ensure evidence of smoking is removed e.g. ashtrays, matches, cigarette stubs.

If someone is found smoking on my premises whilst I am caring for the children, I will ask them to leave immediately.

I ensure that alcohol and other drugs are kept safely out of reach from children.

When another adult enters my home, I make sure they are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

If this adult (who could be a parent or carer) is under the influence of either alcohol or drugs I will ask them not to enter. If the parent/carer has been at a works party, it may be more appropriate to arrange for another carer to collect the child so that they are not put at risk.

If a parent/carer who is dropping a child to our setting is under the influence of alcohol or drugs or is acting in an unsafe manner I will record all details and keep them confidentially with the children’s records and I may inform Ofsted and Surrey County Council. Please refer to my safeguarding policy.

The same applies if a parent/carer is trying to collect a child from my setting. If I believe they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs or are acting in an unsafe manner I will not allow them to enter and I will contact the second parent/carer or emergency contact to collect the child. Notes will also be made and kept confidentially on the child’s record and may be passed to Ofsted and Surrey County Council.

If a child is found with alcohol or drugs on my premises, I will confiscate the alcohol or drugs immediately and put them in a safe place out of reach of all the children. I will contact their parent immediately by telephone to discuss a course of action. If I suspect that an illegal act has taken place, I will call the police.

Policy Written by: Ilana Hill Date: 17 January 2010

Last updated and reviewed on 17 September 2024