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Acknowledgement Liz Hodgman

Smoking

 

Statutory guidance
to which providers should have regard

Providers should have a no smoking policy which ensures that no one smokes in a room, or outside play area, when children are present or about to be present. If, exceptionally, children are expected to use any space that has been used for smoking, providers should ensure that there is adequate ventilation to clear the atmosphere.

 

 

Alcohol/other substances

 

Statutory guidance
to which providers should have regard

Practitioners taking medication which they believe may affect their ability to care for children should seek medical advice and only work directly with children if that advice is that the medication is unlikely to impair their ability to look after children.

SMOKING, ALCOHOL AND OTHER SUBSTANCES                         

Providers must ensure that children are in a smoke-free environment. When working directly with children, practitioners must not be under the influence of alcohol or any other substance which may affect their ability to care for children.

In practice
 

Smoking
NCMA-Download on how the legislation affects childminders.

www.ncma.org.uk/mainwebsite/
resources/document/smokefree.pdf

Free downloadable signage is available from:

 

www.smokefreeengland.co.uk/resources/
guidance-and-signage.html

 

Childminders also need to consider when taking the children outside of the home how they will protect them from a smokey environment. For example what do you do if the children’s play area in the park has three teenagers sitting on a bench smoking?

 

Alcohol/other substances
Childminders must not drink alcohol whilst working as a childminder, but they must also consider how the effect of drinking alcohol, maybe the night before might have an impact on their ability to provide the children with a safe and stimulating environment. Ofsted Inspectors do now ask how much alcohol you drink on average and if you take any drugs or medication.

Consideration also needs to be given as to where alcohol is stored on the premises so that it is not available to the children. Drinks cabinets should be locked and bottles of opened wine not left in the fridge, if the fridge or kitchen is easily accessible to the children.

Medication can also have an effect on the care you are able to provide the children. If it is prescription medication check with your prescribing GP that it is safe for you to continue minding. If you are unsure contact Ofsted and they will be able to check with their own medical unit.

Again consideration needs to be given as to where family medication is stored so that it is not within easy reach of the children. Preferably it should be locked away in a medical cupboard.

BCMA

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