Social Media and Online Safety Policy

Policy Created: 26th august 2025
Review date: Annually, or sooner if legislation or guidance changes

Policy Statement

At Cheeky Minds, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in our care. This includes protecting children from the potential risks of social media and online platforms. We recognise the increasing role of technology in everyday life and aim to promote safe, responsible, and appropriate use.

This policy sets out how staff, parents, and children are expected to use social media and digital devices to ensure the safety, privacy, and wellbeing of all.

Aims of the Policy

• To protect children from the risks of inappropriate online content, contact, or conduct.

• To provide clear guidance on the safe use of social media for staff, parents, and visitors.

• To ensure compliance with Ofsted and EYFS statutory safeguarding requirements.

• To raise awareness among children about online safety in an age-appropriate way.

Staff Use of Social Media

• Staff must not share images, names, or personal information about children or families on personal social media accounts.

• Staff should maintain professional boundaries at all times and must not accept parents or carers as "friends" on personal accounts.

• Staff mobile phones and personal devices must be stored safely during working hours and are not to be used for taking photographs of children.

• Any work-related social media use must be authorised by the manager and monitored regularly.

Use of Photographs & Digital Media

• Photographs and videos of children will only be taken using Cheeky Minds’ designated devices.

• Images will only be used for educational purposes, observations, and with written parental consent.

• Parents will be informed of how images are stored and used.

• No images will ever be posted on public social media accounts without explicit parental permission.

Children’s Online Safety

• Children will be taught about online safety in an age-appropriate way.

• Access to the internet during childminding hours will be supervised at all times.

• Content filters and parental controls will be in place on all devices accessible to children.

Parents & Visitors

• Parents and visitors must not use mobile phones or devices for taking pictures while on the premises.

• Parents are encouraged to support the setting by reinforcing online safety messages at home.

• Concerns about online safety can be raised directly with the manager at any time.

Breaches of Policy

• Any breach of this policy by staff will be treated as a disciplinary matter.

• Parents or visitors who do not comply with the policy may be asked to leave the premises.

• Any safeguarding concerns identified will be reported in line with the Cheeky Minds Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy.

Legal Framework

This policy is based on:

• EYFS Statutory Framework (2025 update)

• Ofsted Safeguarding Requirements

• UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance

Monitoring & Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if new guidance emerges. Parents will be notified of any updates.