Guest Posted September 2, 2015 Posted September 2, 2015 We've been having issues with staff smoking with their nursery uniforms on in our smoking area. My manager wants staff to completely change their clothes where as others have suggested a non smoking site. I personal think both, but is this too harsh? What are other nurseries policies? I'm very concerned about the affects of third hand smoke to the children especially the babies.
AnonyMouse_19135 Posted September 2, 2015 Posted September 2, 2015 No I don't think it's harsh at all. This is our policy :1b Smoking Policy At ********** we recognise the 2007 Smoking Act which prohibits smoking indoors in public places. We recognise the dangers that passive smoking poses for both children and adults and the non-smoking policy is as follows: · Smoking is prohibited in the presence of children · Smoking by staff is prohibited in any areas during working hours · To follow government guidelines staff members should not smoke for two hours before they start work and clothing worn in smoky atmospheres should be changed before returning to work · Paper work such as learning journeys should not be taken into or near a smoky atmosphere · Smoking is not allowed anywhere within the building · All personal belongings of staff and visitors should be kept out of reach so that children cannot gain access to cigarettes. · Smoking is prohibited in the outside play areas
AnonyMouse_6721 Posted September 3, 2015 Posted September 3, 2015 Can people see them in the smoking area or is it just the smell? I think you are asking for trouble if you ask people to change clothes. How long will it take. I would get advice about going smoke free. Although I do hate it when the staff smoke In entrances. The one that annoys me most is the hospital. Especially outside the children's hospital. But then I hate smoking. Can't imagine why you would put something that does you so much harm in your mouth.
AnonyMouse_49082 Posted September 3, 2015 Posted September 3, 2015 Thanks for sharing your Smoking Policy mrsbat. It's inspired me to consider revising ours. Our current policy is here: http://newsteadpreschool.org.uk/policies/smoking.html Your policy says "To follow government guidelines staff members should not smoke for two hours before they start work and clothing worn in smoky atmospheres should be changed before returning to work." Which government guidelines are you referring to? I'd like to include a reference and I'm struggling to find one.
AnonyMouse_23964 Posted September 3, 2015 Posted September 3, 2015 Mrsbat, just wondering how you 'police' your policy especially the not smoking 2 hours before work. Also what are your staff working hours as you may be demanding no smoking 10 to 12 hours possibly?? Don't get me wrong I am not and have never been a smoker and cannot understand people smoking around children. What are the penalties for not abiding to the policy? Would you go as far as dismissal and in which case how would your policy stand up in an tribunal? Sorry lots of questions.
AnonyMouse_30128 Posted September 3, 2015 Posted September 3, 2015 A no-smoking policy and change of clothes is often required when you work with children with SEN . Our borough group have a very similar policy to mrs Bats
AnonyMouse_19135 Posted September 3, 2015 Posted September 3, 2015 Mrsbat, just wondering how you 'police' your policy especially the not smoking 2 hours before work. Also what are your staff working hours as you may be demanding no smoking 10 to 12 hours possibly?? Don't get me wrong I am not and have never been a smoker and cannot understand people smoking around children. What are the penalties for not abiding to the policy? Would you go as far as dismissal and in which case how would your policy stand up in an tribunal? Sorry lots of questions. To be honest none of my staff smoke so I've never had to enforce it. The absolute most hours anyone works is 6 at a time. Until we have a member of staff who smokes my head is staying firmly in the sand lol. However apart from the not smoking for 2 hours before working with children then yes if staff didn't abide by it then it would lead to a disciplinary...... Newstead preschool I'm afraid I can't remember where the government advice was from but I know I saw it somewhere when I wrote it......
AnonyMouse_2157 Posted September 6, 2015 Posted September 6, 2015 (edited) Is this document any use? http://www.ash.org.uk/files/documents/ASH_290.pdf and also the ASH website may have some useful information http://www.ash.org.uk/?workplace Edited September 6, 2015 by apple
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