From 13 April 2015 the amended Tobacco Act 1987 (Vic) bans smoking within the grounds of, and within four metres of an entrance to, all childcare centres, kindergartens and preschools while they are being used to provide a children’s service. This is in addition to existing smokefree bans covered by the Tobacco Act.
[Name of childcare centre/kindergarten/preschool] recognises that role modelling can have a significant impact on children and smokefree areas make smoking less visible and less socially acceptable. [Name of childcare
centre/kindergarten/preschool] believes that smoking bans denormalise smoking and discourage children and young people from taking up smoking. [Name of childcare centre/ kindergarten/ preschool] recognises that exposure to secondhand smoke is harmful to health and that the community has a right to be protected.
Accordingly, the following smokefree policy has been developed by [name of childcare
centre/kindergarten/preschool].
This policy applies to all staff members, educators, visitors, contractors and volunteers of [name of childcare
centre/kindergarten/preschool] at all times.
This policy is effective from [start date of policy].
Smoking is banned under the Tobacco Act 1987 (Vic) within the grounds of [name of childcare
centre/kindergarten/preschool] and also within four metres of all entrances (pedestrian access points) to the premises, while they are being used to provide a children’s service.
The smokefree status of our [childcare centre/kindergarten/preschool] will be clearly signed at entrances to, and within the service grounds. This smokefree policy will be promoted throughout our service community e.g. through the service newsletter, family communication, website etc.
To help staff members who wish to cut down or stop smoking, [name of childcare centre/kindergarten/preschool] will provide assistance for people to adjust to the changes. This includes: ([list supports provided], for example:)

Promote the Quitline (13 7848)

Provide printed health information
[A clear statement is required on what the consequences are if a staff member is non-compliant with the policy.
For example:]

This smokefree policy is an integral part of our existing workplace health and safety policies. Staff adherence to this policy is a condition of employment at [name of childcare centre/ kindergarten/ preschool].
Educators and staff are reminded that they are obliged, under the Occupational Health and Safety Act
2004 (Vic), to protect the health of their fellow workers. The responsibility for enforcing the policy rests with all managers, directors and staff.
Any breach of this policy will lead to the normal disciplinary procedures being applied [describe company’s
disciplinary procedures].
Any educator or staff member who has a grievance relating to this policy should speak to the Health and Safety
Officer or appropriate representative.
Employees cannot be disciplined for smoking away from the workplace, in their own time.
There is strong community support for banning smoking at outdoor areas where children are present. This means most people will voluntarily comply with the smoking ban and expect others to do so.
If a person is smoking in a non-smoking area, it is recommended that educators and staff members:
1.
Assume that the person is unaware of the policy.
2.
Politely ask them to refrain from smoking (or move to a smoking area) and remind them about the smokefree legislation.
This policy will be reviewed six months after its introduction and then on an annual basis (or in-line with the service’s policy review cycle) thereafter. This will ensure that the policy remains current and practical.