Smoking & Vaping Policy

(Updated for EYFS 2025)

Policy Statement: At Just Little Ones Childminding, we are committed to providing a safe, healthy, and smoke-free environment for all children, staff members, parents, and visitors. Exposure to smoking, including second-hand smoke and vaping, poses significant health risks, particularly to young children. This policy ensures compliance with EYFS 2025 regulations and supports the promotion of a healthy lifestyle within our setting.

No Smoking Policy

  • Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes (vaping), is strictly prohibited in all areas of the childminding premises.
  • This policy applies to all staff members, parents, visitors, and contractors at all times.
  • Smoking is not permitted indoors or outdoors, including gardens, playgrounds, parking areas, or entrances/exits.

Maintaining a Smoke-Free Environment

  • We will actively promote a smoke-free culture to safeguard the health of children and others in our care.
  • Signage will be displayed in prominent areas to inform all visitors, parents, and staff of the no smoking policy.
  • Staff will educate children on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the dangers of smoking through age-appropriate discussions.

Staff Responsibilities

  • All staff members must adhere to this policy while on duty and during any outings or off-site activities.
  • Staff are expected to act as role models by promoting healthy behaviours and discouraging smoking.
  • Any staff member who wishes to smoke must do so off-site and away from children during break periods.

Parent and Visitor Compliance

  • Parents, legal guardians, and all visitors will be informed of the no-smoking policy during enrolment or their first visit.
  • It is the responsibility of all parents and visitors to comply with the policy while on the premises.
  • If any visitor is found smoking, they will be asked to leave the premises immediately and reminded of the policy.

Designated Smoking Areas

  • No designated smoking areas are provided within the childminding setting.
  • Staff or visitors wishing to smoke must leave the premises entirely before doing so.

Education and Awareness

  • Staff will be encouraged to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and second-hand smoke to promote a smoke-free lifestyle.
  • Resources on quitting smoking and support services will be made available to parents and staff.

Enforcement and Non-Compliance

  • Non-compliance with the no-smoking policy will be addressed immediately.
  • If a staff member, parent, or visitor is found smoking on the premises, they will receive a verbal warning and be reminded of the policy.
  • Repeated violations may result in further action, such as formal warnings, restrictions on access to the setting, or disciplinary measures for staff members.

Alignment with EYFS 2025 Changes

From September 2025, the updated EYFS framework strengthens regulations to promote health and safety within early years settings. Our policy aligns with the latest EYFS updates by:

  • Maintaining a completely smoke-free setting, including outdoor areas and during off-site activities.
  • Encouraging a culture of health and well-being by educating children, staff, and parents on the dangers of smoking and vaping.
  • Enhancing enforcement measures to ensure compliance and protect children from second-hand smoke exposure.
  • Providing resources and support for staff and parents who may want to quit smoking in line with government public health recommendations.

Review and Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required to remain compliant with EYFS 2025 and other relevant health and safety regulations. We welcome feedback from staff, parents, and external agencies to ensure we continue to provide a safe, healthy, and smoke-free environment for all children.

Signed: Jemma & Dale Ferriday
Date: August 2025
Review Date: April 2027