​Front Door and Security Policy ​

Front Door and Security Policy Statement 
It is our aim at Wild Monkeys Childcare Limited to maintain the highest possible security of our premises and to ensure that all of our children are cared for safely at all times. The nursery front or interior doors will be locked at all times when not in use. Anyone wanting permission to enter will be asked to provide identification that will need to be checked by a senior member of staff. At our Forest nursery, CCTV is used to check the identity and suitability of the person wanting to gain access. These measures also control the ability to exit the nursery. This also means that the children are unable to exit without staff’s knowledge. We make safeguarding the children in our care our first priority, starting with gaining access to our nursery. 

Within the guidance of the EYFS Framework on continuous indoor / outdoor play, staff need to be extra vigilant with regards to this policy. 

Children’s Personal Safety:
  • We ensure all our staff, students; volunteers have been checked for criminal records by an enhanced disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau. 
  • All children are supervised by adults at all times.
  • Our nursery is designed so that no member of staff is out of visual contact from another member of staff for the majority of the time. Where they are out of sight the CCTV at Forest and Nature Nursery covers the full area so the staff are visible.
  • We aim to always have at least two members of staff on the premises whenever children are present. 
  • We carry out risk assessments to ensure our children are not made vulnerable within any part of our nursery or when taking part in activities. 
  • Staff are not allowed to carry personal mobile phones on them during sessions with the exception when needed for medical reasons when the staff member has a pouch that is sealed and covers any cameras. 

Security Measures in Place: 
  • We have systems in place for the safe arrival and departure of children. The front door is controlled by a senior member of staff who greets any person wanting access through the door. 
  • All persons wanting to gain access can be seen on CCTV and a staff member will only grant access if they recognise the adult. 
  • The times of the children’s arrival and departure are recorded. 
  • The arrival and departure times of all adults (staff, volunteers and visitors) is recorded. 
  • Photographs of staff are displayed at the entrance of the nursery. 
  • All visitors are asked for identification before being allowed into the setting and must sign in the visitor’s book and sign out when they leave. 
  • The doors and gates into the garden can only be opened from the inside allowing children access in to secure outdoor areas. Any access to outside has a coded padlock. 
  • Children are only allowed to go home with a person who is unknown to us if they have the secure password provided on their Famly account. 
  • If the person who has come to collect does not have the passcode, they will not be given access to the nursery or child and the child’s parents will be informed immediately. 
  • Our systems prevent children within our care from leaving our premises unnoticed. 
  • Personal possessions of staff are stored safely during sessions in the staff room or out of the nursery room. 

Nursery Door Procedure 
  • Only senior staff answer the door with another member of staff on hand. 
  • If person is recognised they are granted access 
  • If the person is not recognised they are questioned by staff about their purpose at the nursery and will only be granted access if they have an appointment with management. Management will be called if the person does not have an appointment and will make the decision of whether or not to grant access. 

All visitors must be met at the door and asked for identification. 
  • Parents are asked to wait outside when collecting children 
  • Any person found operating the doors that should not be is either dismissed (employee student), given notice to leave (parent) or asked to leave immediately (visitor). 

Procedure for Intruders posing a safety hazard: 
  • Politely greet the intruder, identify yourself and ask the purpose of their visit. Having a member of staff close by to secure the door and for support if needed. 
  • Explain that all visitors must sign in. 
  • If the intruder becomes agitated and refuses to leave the property peacefully we will endeavour to calm the person whilst trying to gain the attention of your staff member to call the police. 
  • If the caller persists, the children and staff will assemble together in the room furthest from the door and will be distracted by staff, an iPad operating Famly and telephone will be taken with them, and they will stay there until the police arrive. 
  • If the person leaves before the police arrive do not attempt to detain them. 
  • If the person does not leave before the police arrive. Explain to the officers what has happened, so they can deal with the intruder and find a cause for arrest. 
  • Remember to log the incident and review security measures. 

Procedure if Intruder is armed: 
  • All staff will be alerted and the police contacted immediately. 
  • Try to remain calm diverting the intruder as far away from the children as possible. 
  • The children and staff will assemble together in the rock pool room and will be distracted by staff, an iPad with Famly on and telephone will be taken with them, and they will stay there until the police arrive. 
  • If the intruder shows a weapon try to remain calm do not try to disarm them, reassure them that it is not necessary for them to use it. 
  • Once the police arrive, make them aware of where the intruder is and any weapon you may have seen describing the intruder and reporting anything relevant the intruder may have said. 
  • All staff and children should remain where they are unless directed otherwise by the police. 
  • Incidents should be recorded and security procedure reviewed and updated when needed or annually.  
Policy Last Reviewed: January 2025
Policy Review Date: January 2026