Tobacco Drug and Alcohol Policy
NQS
QA2 | 2.3.2 | Every reasonable precaution is taken to protect children from harm and any hazard likely to cause injury. |
National Regulations
82 | Tobacco, drug and alcohol-free environment |
83 | Staff members and family day care educators are not affected by alcohol of drugs |
175 | Prescribed information to be notified to the Regulatory Authority |
176 | Time to notify certain information to the Regulatory Authority |
*Note before: Smoking refers to both the act of cigarette smoking and e-smoking (vaping).
Purpose
To have a policy that identifies substances that are prohibited from being used on the centre’s premises at any time.
Passive smoking (the inhalation of environmental tobacco smoke) increases risks to health (Cancer Council Australia,). Baulkham Hills Early Learning Centre has a duty of care under work health and safety legislation to provide a safe and healthy environment for all persons who utilise the service for childcare requirements or employment. This service does not permit the smoking of any substance in any areas it utilises for childcare requirements or employment of persons and has adopted a Tobacco and Prohibited Substances Policy to protect all persons from the effects of environmental tobacco smoke or vapour.
Aim
To ensure children are not subjected to the dangers associated with tobacco, illicit drugs and alcohol, we will maintain a harm free environment where no individual staff member is affected by alcohol or drugs.
Related Policies
Health, Hygiene and Safe Food Policy
Relationships with Children Policy
Strategies
Children who are exposed to second-hand smoke are at risk of many health problems including ear infections, coughs and colds, respiratory problems and tooth decay to name a few.
No smoking signs will be displayed at the entrance to the centre.
Smoke detectors may have been fitted into the playrooms, kitchen and foyer areas.
Smoking is not be permitted in any open space 10 metres from the outdoor area or fence line.
Staff and parents will not smoke in front of, or in the sight of, children in their care.
No persons will be allowed to promote cigarette smoking in the workplace, or advertise the fact they smoke to other staff, children or families.
Students, volunteers and visitors to the service will not be permitted to smoke on the premises and will adhere to the Tobacco and Prohibited Substances Policy.
The responsibility for enforcing this policy rests with managers and staff. All are obliged under the workplace health and safety legislation to protect the health of their fellow staff, and visitors, while at the service.
It is illegal to smoke in enclosed spaces including childcare services. Smoking in the service will be reported to authorities and this includes adult toilets.
In NSW, it is an offence to possess, use, produce or supply a drug which has been declared prohibited.
The consumption of tobacco, drugs and alcohol is prohibited in all areas of the service including -
Inside.
Outside in the playground.
Outside in the car-park.
Smoking and the consumption of alcohol is also prohibited -
On incursions or excursions at any point during the event.
While travelling with a child.
At educator meetings.
At parent meetings.
At any social activity, whether in work hours or not, where the children and educators are involved.
Responsibilities of the Approved Provider
Provide a sign for the service that states no smoking is allowed on premises.
The Approved Provider will immediately relieve from duties any person whose capacity to supervise or provide education and care to children is impaired by alcohol or drugs (including prescribed medication). The Approved Provide will notify the Regulatory Authority within seven days of becoming aware of an educator’s impaired capacity to supervise or provide education and care to children. If that person is the Nominated Supervisor or a staff member, they risk disciplinary action which may result in dismissal. If that person is a volunteer, their services will be discontinued.
Ensure that Nominated Supervisor and all other staff are aware of and abide by this policy at all times.
Responsibilities of the Nominated Supervisor
Ensure that all staff are aware of and abide by this policy at all times.
Issue appropriate action against staff member who contravenes this policy.
If a staff member is caught smoking, doing any illicit drugs or drinking alcohol on premises or within 10 metres of the service – a written warning is to be issued or possible instant dismissal.
Responsibilities of the Educators
Staff who smoke before and after a shift must ensure that they take off their uniform before smoking. If a staff member is caught smoking while on site or in their uniform, there may be consequences involved.
Educators discouraged to enter the workplace smelling of smoke. If you have smoked before your shift, personal hygiene must be adhered to including hands being washed, clothing free from smoke and mouth washed out before handling children.
Staff are informed through the handbook that smoking, drinking alcohol and taking illicit drugs during operating hours is NEVER allowed. These substances are not to be brought into the centre.
Responsibilities of the Families
Report to the service management should you see a staff member smoking near the childcare service or in their uniform.
Families are not allowed to smoke on premises or near any children in the service.
Families are not allowed to smoke cigarettes or E-cigarettes in their cars with children under 16 years of age as it is illegal. If a parent is caught smoking in the car with their child inside, your family may be reported to authorities. This applies to passengers of the vehicle as well.
Parents, family members or relatives of children enrolled at the service will not be permitted to smoke on the premises and will adhere to the Tobacco and Prohibited Substances Policy.
Definitions, Terms & Abbreviations
Term | Definition |
Illicit | Forbidden by law, rules, or custom |
Related Statutory Obligations & Considerations
Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA)
Children (Education and Care Services) National Law (NSW) No 104a
Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act
Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
Related Telephone Numbers
Early Childhood Directorate 1800 619 113
ACECQA 1300 422 327
Police Department 000
Amendment History
Version | Amendment |
1 | Updated to changed NQF requirements 1 February 2018. |
2 | Added Regulations 83, 175, 176 |
3 | Added “Vaping” |
This policy will be updated to ensure compliance with all relevant legal requirements every year. Appropriate consultation of all stakeholders (including staff and families) will be conducted on a timely basis. In accordance with Regulation 172 of the Education and Care Services National Regulation, families of children enrolled will be notified at least 14 days and their input considered prior to any amendment of policies and procedures that have any impact on their children or family.
Review
The policy will be reviewed annually.
Date:
February 2025
Version:
4
Last amended by:
Laura Clarke
Next Review:
February 2026
Position:
Nominated Supervisor
