Woodfield Nursery School Social Networking Policy May 2017

This policy is adapted from Lancashire County Council Model Policy for Social Networking The policy will be reviewed annually or as legislation requires.

The use of social networking sites such as Facebook, Bebo, Twitter and MySpace has over recent years become the primary form of communication between friends and family. In addition there are many other sites which allow people to publish their own pictures, text and videos such as YouTube and Instagram. Woodfield Nursery School recognises that it would be unreasonable to suggest that employees should not use these sites. However employees need to be aware of the potential impact on the school and personally if not used with caution. Even when utilised sensibly and with caution employees are vulnerable to their personal details being exposed to a wider audience than they might otherwise have intended. One example of this is when photographs and comments are published by others without the employees consent or knowledge which may portray the employee in a manner which is not conducive to their role at Woodfield Nursery School. If employees choose to use social networking sites or media they should ensure that they have adequate security and privacy settings in place. Staff who choose to make use of social networking site/media should not:-  Access for personal use in school working hours  Comment on or give information about other members of staff, children or parents  Express views which may be deemed derogatory towards the Nursery School, staff or service  Share photographs of children, parents or the school setting  Share photos of other members of staff without their permission  Exchange any information which may put themselves or the school at risk of disrepute  Exchange any information that may question their ability to work with children and young people  Exchange any information about activities or discussions that have happened in the school  Identify Woodfield Nursery School as their place of work in profile information We do not encourage staff to form on-line 'friendships' or enter into communication with *parents/carers and pupils as this could lead to professional relationships being compromised. (*We are aware that in some cases employees in school are related to parents/carers and/or children or may have formed on-line friendships with them prior to them becoming parents/carers and/or pupils of the school. In these cases employees should be advised that the nature of such relationships has changed and that they need to be aware of the risks of continuing with this method of contact. They should be advised that such contact is contradictory to this Policy and as such they are potentially placing themselves at risk of formal action being taken under the school's Disciplinary Procedure.) Woodfield Nursery School will not use social networking sites in order to 'vet' prospective employees. Such practice could potentially lead to claims of discrimination if for example the selection panel were to discover a candidate held a protective characteristic as defined by the Equality Act. The Department for Education document 'Guidance for Safer Working Practices for those Working with Children and Young people in Education Settings (October 2015) states:- That adults should  not give out personal details to parents or children including telephone numbers or social media details  only make contact with parents for professional reasons and in accordance with school policies and procedures

Woodfield Nursery School Social Networking Policy Reviewed May 2017 AD Woodfield Nursery School Social Networking Policy May 2017

 follow Woodfield Nursery School acceptable internet policy  only use technology provided at Woodfield for Internet services – no mobile phones should be used for any purpose within classrooms or during working hours  not use Internet or web-based communication systems to send personal messages to a child and should never respond if they receive a message – this should be reported to The Headteacher  ensure that they establish safe and responsible online behaviours, working to local and national guidelines and acceptable use policies which detail how new and emerging technologies may be used.  ensure that their communications are open and transparent and avoid any communication which could be interpreted as ‘grooming behaviour’ This policy forms part of the safeguarding procedures for Woodfield Nursery School and should be read alongside the following policies:-  Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy  Acceptable Internet Use Agreement

Staff should also be aware that they can seek advice about Internet Safety on Lancashire Children’s Safeguarding Website at http://www.lancashiresafeguarding.org.uk/ Or by using the Professional Online Safety Helpline (POSH) Helpline: 0344 3814772 (Monday to Friday 10am -4pm) Email: [email protected]

Woodfield Nursery School has a school website which is used to  promote the Nursery School and inform about job vacancies and special activities  Remind parents and carers of calendar dates  Share news and events such as fundraising

Governors at Woodfield Nursery School have a statutory responsibility to the school and are bound by our Governing Body Code of Conduct to ensure that they do not make derogatory or negative comments about the school, staff, parents or children. Governors must also be aware that as an individual they do not pass comments or viewpoints which may be construed as a collective view of the Governing Body of Woodfield Nursery School.

This policy will be shared with all staff and forms part of the induction procedures of Woodfield Nursery School. Paper copies will be kept in the main policy file in Headteacher’s Office

All staff and Governors should be aware that disciplinary action may be taken in relation to those who conduct themselves in a way which is contrary to the advice and guidance outlined in this Policy. If such conduct is deemed to amount to gross misconduct this may lead to dismissal.

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