Mobile Phone, Tablet and Wearable Technology Policy
Date: July 2026
LC Policy #5
Little Crumpets accepts that mobile technology is part of the ever changing digital environment that we live and work in. Little Crumpets continues to foster a ‘culture of safety’ in which the children and staff are protected from abuse, harm, and distress. We therefore have a clear policy on the acceptable use of mobile phones, tablet computers and wearable technology that have imaging and sharing capabilities, that is understood and adhered to by everyone; staff, children and parents.
Abiding by the terms of the club’s policy ensures that we all:
· Protect children from harm and abuse
· Ensure privacy is respected and online safety is preserved
· Prevent staff from being subject to false allegations
· Help staff remain focused on the care of children
· Work in an open and transparent environment.
With the evolution of mobile phones, tablet computers and wearable technology that have camera facilities and sharing capabilities as standard, it is of the utmost importance that the way we deal with technology is managed safely.
Staff use of mobile phones, tablet computers and wearable technology
Personal mobile phones belonging to members of staff should be switched off and kept in a safe secure place during working hours.
Only tablet computers that are owned and maintained by Little Crumpets are permitted to be used on site. These have appropriate safeguards for their use and the use of the image taking capabilities including [specify under what terms they are allowed and what safeguards you have in place to prevent image sharing].
Wearable technology such as Smartwatches and Fitbits (this list is not exhaustive) [are permitted to be worn by staff. [They may only be used as a watch when working with children. This means that all other functions including imaging and sharing capabilities must be disabled
If a member of staff needs to make an urgent personal call, they should, wherever possible, use the club phone. If it is necessary to use their personal mobile phone, the call must be taken outside in the reception area, where staff can maintain clear visibility of the children while ensuring that the conversation cannot be easily overheard. Staff must remain mindful of their supervisory responsibilities at all times.
If a member of staff has a family emergency or similar and needs to keep their mobile phone to hand, prior permission must be sought from the Manager or Deputy.
Under no circumstances may staff use their personal mobile phones or wearable technology to take photographs at Little Crumpets during working hours.
Children’s use of mobile phones or digital items such as phones, digital cameras.Whilst we understand that some children may own mobile phones and wearable technology, such as smart watches, these devices are not permitted at Little Crumpets and this policy is in line with the school's own policies, which have been reviewed and adhered to.
If a child is found to have a mobile phone, smart watch or any other electronic device, it will be safely stored by a member of staff and returned to the child at home time.
Digital cameras, regardless of how harmless they may appear, are also not permitted at Little Crumpets.
This policy is in place to protect the privacy, safety and wellbeing of all children attending the setting.
We do not accept any responsibility for loss or damage to mobile phones brought to Little Crumpets by the children.
Visitors’ and parents use of mobile phones
In the interest of safeguarding we ask all parents and visitors not to use their phones or other mobile devices on premises.
Taking photographs by parents or visitors is strictly prohibited. If a parent would like to have a photograph of their child involved in an activity or at play, they can ask a member of staff to take one using the club camera.
GuidanceTo safeguard children and practitioners online, our staff will be encouraged to refer to “Safeguarding children and protecting professionals in early years settings: online safety considerations”.
Related policies see also: Safeguarding policy.
This Policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if safeguarding legislation and/or guidance changes and was written in accordance with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2025): Safeguarding and Welfare requirements: Safeguarding Policies and Procedures [3.4-3.6], Whistleblowing [3.7,3.8].