Alcohol and Substance Misuse Policy

This policy is written in accordance with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), particularly the requirements relating to safeguarding and welfare, staff suitability and children’s safety.

At Winston’s Place Day Nursery we are committed to taking all necessary steps to keep children safe and well. This includes making sure that children are not exposed to adults who may be under the influence of alcohol or other substances that may affect their ability to care for them.

We promote a culture of professional responsibility, safeguarding vigilance and staff wellbeing, recognising that maintaining children’s safety is everyone’s responsibility.

This policy is in line with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and should be read in conjunction with the Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Policy, Disciplinary Procedure, Staff Code of Conduct, Health and Safety Policy and Suitability of Staff Policy.

Alcohol

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, companies have a legal requirement to provide a safe working environment for all of their employees.

Anyone who arrives at the nursery clearly under the influence of alcohol will be asked to leave. If they are a member of staff, the nursery will investigate the matter and will initiate the Disciplinary procedure, as a result of which action may be taken, including dismissal. Staff can still be under the influence of alcohol the following day and staff should be aware of this, ensuring this is not the case when starting work.

Staff are expected to report for work fit to carry out their duties safely and effectively and must not allow alcohol consumption outside working hours to affect their professional judgement, conduct or ability to care for children.

If they are a parent, the nursery manager and/or designated safeguarding lead will judge if the parent is suitable to care for the child. This may involve calling the second contact on the child’s registration form to collect them. If a child is thought to be at risk the nursery will follow the Safeguarding children and Child Protection procedures.

If anyone arrives at the nursery in control of a car under the influence of alcohol the police will be contacted.

Staff, students, parents, carers, visitors and contractors must not bring alcohol onto nursery premises without prior authorisation for a legitimate business purpose.

Substance misuse

Winston’s Place operates a zero-tolerance approach to alcohol and substance misuse during working hours or when representing the nursery in any capacity.

“Staff members must not be under the influence of alcohol or any other substance which may affect their ability to care for children” (EYFS Statutory Framework 2025). Anyone who arrives at the nursery under the influence of illegal drugs, or any other substance including medication, that affects their ability to care for children, will be asked to leave the premises immediately.

If they are a member of staff, an investigation will follow which may lead to consideration of disciplinary action, as a result of which dismissal could follow.

If they are a parent, the nursery manager and/or designated safeguarding lead will judge if the parent is suitable to care for the child. This may involve calling the second contact on the child’s registration form to collect them. If a child is thought to be at risk the nursery will follow the Safeguarding children and Child Protection procedures.

The nursery manager will contact the police if anyone, including staff, students, volunteers, contractors and visitors, is suspected of possessing illegal drugs on the premises or attempting to drive whilst impaired through substance misuse.

Any concerns regarding substance misuse will be risk assessed immediately and appropriate action taken to safeguard children, staff and visitors.

Prescribed Medication

“If a practitioner is taking medication which may affect their ability to care for children, they should seek medical advice” (EYFS Statutory Framework 2025) and inform the nursery manager as soon as possible.

A risk assessment will be completed where necessary.

“Practitioners must only work directly with children if the medical advice received confirms that the medication is unlikely to impair that person’s ability to look after children properly” (EYFS Statutory Framework 2025).

The nursery recognises its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010. Where medication is prescribed for a medical condition or disability, reasonable adjustments will be considered following medical advice and a risk assessment, provided children’s safety is not compromised.

The nursery will support staff with medical conditions sensitively and confidentially whilst ensuring children’s safety and wellbeing remain paramount.

Visitors and Contractors

All visitors and contractors will be supervised at all times while on the premises.

If there are concerns arise regarding substance misuse, they will be asked to leave immediately and, where appropriate, the relevant authorities will be informed.

Visitors and contractors are expected to comply with all nursery safeguarding, health and safety and professional conduct requirements whilst on site.

Smoking, Vaping and Related Products

Any medication on the premises is stored securely, and out of reach of children, at all times.

Smoking, vaping or the use of e-cigarettes is not permitted anywhere on the nursery premises, including outdoor areas, entrances, or in view of children. This includes cannabis-based products, whether legal or illegal. Staff, parents, carers, visitors and contractors must not attend the nursery smelling of smoke or vape residue that could impact children’s wellbeing.

The nursery promotes healthy lifestyles and seeks to provide children with a smoke-free, vape-free and substance-free environment at all times.

Staff Support and Early Intervention

If the nursery suspects a member of staff may be experiencing difficulties relating to alcohol or substance misuse, but there is no evidence that this is affecting their work performance or attendance, a confidential meeting will be arranged with the member of staff to discuss any concerns and identify appropriate support.

Support and referral to appropriate services may be offered to the staff member, if this is considered appropriate.

Confidentiality will be maintained at all times.

The staff member will be reminded that Disciplinary procedures will apply if they attend work under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The nursery recognises that alcohol and substance misuse may be linked to physical health, mental health or personal circumstances. Where appropriate, support will be offered alongside professional expectations and safeguarding responsibilities.

Safeguarding and child protection

If a parent is clearly over the alcohol limit, or under the influence of illegal drugs and it is believed the child is at risk, we will follow our Safeguarding children and Child Protection procedures, contacting the local authority children’s Social Care team and the Police.

Staff will do their utmost to prevent a child from travelling in a vehicle driven by a parent suspected of being over the alcohol limit or under the influence of illegal drugs. If necessary, the police will be called.

Where an illegal act is suspected to have taken place, the police will be called.

“Practitioners should be alert to the potential need for Family Help for a child who is in a family circumstance representing challenges for the child, such as drug and alcohol misuse, adult mental health issues and domestic abuse” (EYFS Statutory Framework 2025).

Concerns relating to parental alcohol or substance misuse will always be considered within the wider context of the child’s welfare, lived experiences and safeguarding needs.

The nursery will work in partnership with parents, external professionals and relevant agencies to promote children’s safety, wellbeing and positive outcomes wherever possible.

Recording, Monitoring and Confidentiality

Any incidents, concerns, actions taken and outcomes relating to alcohol or substance misuse will be recorded accurately, objectively and without delay.

Records will be stored securely in accordance with the nursery’s Confidentiality Policy, Data Protection Policy and UK GDPR requirements.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead and management team will monitor incidents and concerns to identify patterns, emerging risks and any additional training or support requirements.

The nursery is committed to maintaining appropriate confidentiality whilst recognising that information will be shared with relevant agencies where necessary to safeguard children or fulfil legal obligations.