Mobile Phone Procedures in Early Years Settings
In today’s world, mobile phones are everywhere, but in early years settings, their use needs careful management. Smart phones are invaluable for communication, but they can also pose risks if not handled correctly. That’s why clear mobile phone procedures are essential in nurseries, preschools, and other early years environments.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) states that safeguarding policy should cover “how mobile phones, cameras and other electronic devices with imaging and sharing capabilities are used in the setting”. This means that early years settings are required to have policies and procedures in place that cover safe use of mobile phones for staff, parents, children and visitors.
While there is no blanket statutory ban on phones in early years settings, providers must establish clear rules for mobile phone use. Implementing mobile phone policies helps to prevent breaches of confidentiality, inappropriate use, maintain staff focus and professionalism, and protect children from inappropriate content or contact. In short, these procedures help staff create a secure, distraction-free, and child-centred environment.
Serious Case Review – Vanessa George
The 2009 Vanessa George case is a cornerstone of modern early years safeguarding. It directly led to the strict mobile phone protocols now standard in UK nurseries. Vanessa George was a nursery worker in Plymouth who abused the children in her care and took images on her phone camera to distribute indecent images. She primarily targeted children during nappy changes in toilet cubicles. While the doors were left open, she used her body to block the view of other staff members while she took photos.
Following this, some parents campaigned for a total legislative ban on phones in nurseries. However, the Tickell Review ultimately decided against it, instead placing the responsibility on nursery leaders to strictly monitor and regulate device usage locally.
Staff Use
In early years settings, staff are not permitted to use mobile phones or smart devices during working hours in areas where children are present. Mobile phones must be switched off or on silent and stored in the office, in their bag or a designated area throughout the working day. Many settings also restrict the use of smart watches or any other device that allows messaging, calls or image storage. Staff can use phones in emergencies but should inform the manager immediately. It is important that staff are made aware of this policy and procedure during their induction and they should be trained regularly on appropriate use.
Nursery-owned devices, such as tablets and phones, should be used to take photos or videos for educational purposes, but it is important that parental consent is obtained and documented for this. This allows for communication and information sharing to occur through approved channels and apps, such as Tapestry. These devices should be secure and password protected. Personal phones should not be used to take images or videos and should not contain any information about a child.
Parent/ Visitor Use
Parents and carers also play a crucial role in maintaining a safe and professional setting. Parents and visitors are also not permitted to use mobile phones while on nursery premises. Parents taking calls upon arrival or pick-up should be politely asked to end the call or step outside. Additionally, parents should not take photos or videos of children other than their own without permission from other parents.
Parents should be informed of the policies through orientations or newsletters. Some settings may also display signs to notify parents and visitors that mobile phone use is prohibited on the premises.
Child Use
While children are less likely to need mobile phones during sessions, settings should still have clear rules. Phones should not be used casually during play or learning, and any devices used for educational activities must be supervised by staff. Agreements with parents help clarify what is acceptable, ensuring consistency between home and the setting.
Mobile phone procedures are only effective if everyone follows them. Staff should receive regular training on acceptable phone use and safeguarding, and policies should also be reviewed regularly to keep up with technological changes and legal requirements. Ultimately, mobile phone procedures in early years settings are about protecting children, supporting staff, and promoting responsible use of technology by everyone involved. When staff and parents work together to follow clear, consistent rules, children benefit from a safe, focused, and nurturing learning environment where technology is used responsibly to support learning and communication.
Useful Links
Safeguarding at Showcase Training: https://showcasetraining.co.uk/safeguarding/
Early Years Foundation Stage: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework–2