Terms and Conditions

1. Status of Agency Staff

Agency staff engaged by the Nursery are supplied by third-party employment agencies and are not employees of the Nursery. However, while working at the Nursery, agency staff are required to comply fully with all applicable Nursery policies, procedures, and standards of conduct as set out in this Handbook.

2. Equal Treatment, Inclusion and Diversity

The Nursery is committed to equality, inclusion, and diversity in all aspects of its operations. The Equality, Inclusion and Diversity Policy applies equally to job applicants, employees, workers, and agency staff.

Agency staff must not be subjected to, nor engage in, unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the basis of any protected characteristic or on grounds such as part-time or fixed-term status. The Nursery aims to ensure fair and respectful treatment in recruitment, training, development, and day-to-day working practices.

3. Conduct and Behaviour

Agency staff are expected to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct at all times. This includes:

• Treating colleagues, children, parents, visitors, and members of the public with courtesy, dignity, and respect

• Refraining from rude, aggressive, or inappropriate behaviour

• Acting in the best interests of the Nursery during working hours

• Devoting their time, attention, and abilities to their assigned duties

These standards also apply outside working hours where agency staff are representing the Nursery or their actions could reasonably affect the Nursery’s reputation.

2.4 Confidentiality

Agency staff must not, during or after their engagement, disclose any trade secrets or confidential information belonging to the Nursery or to third parties, except where disclosure is required in the proper course of duties or by law.

All documents, records, data, and tangible items containing confidential information remain the property of the Nursery and must be returned at the end of the assignment. Where requested, confidential information must be securely destroyed or permanently deleted.

5. Safeguarding and Workplace Standards

Given the Nursery’s responsibility for the care and safety of young children, agency staff must strictly adhere to safeguarding-related workplace standards, including:

• Compliance with dress code and appearance requirements (including minimal jewellery, covered piercings, neutral nails, and suitable clothing and footwear)

• Prohibition of hot drinks in rooms used by children

• Adherence to conduct standards within rooms and shared areas

• Cooperation with searches where necessary to protect children and Nursery property

• Compliance with the Nursery’s smoke-free workplace policy

• Observance of all health, safety, and hygiene requirements

Any breach of safeguarding standards will be treated seriously and may result in immediate removal from the Nursery.

6. Data Protection, IT, and Communications

Agency staff using Nursery IT systems, equipment, or networks must comply with the Nursery’s IT and Communications, Social Media, and CCTV policies. This includes:

• No unauthorised access to systems or data

• No improper use of devices or access to illegal, offensive, or discriminatory material

• Acceptance that calls, emails, internet usage, and CCTV may be monitored in accordance with the law

• Restrictions on the use of personal mobile phones and recording devices while on Nursery premises

All personal data must be handled in accordance with data protection legislation and Nursery policies.

7. Anti-Bribery and Prevention of Tax Evasion

The Nursery operates a zero-tolerance approach to bribery, corruption, and the facilitation of tax evasion. Agency staff must:

• Not offer, give, request, or accept bribes, facilitation payments, or improper gifts or hospitality

• Comply with rules governing gifts, hospitality, and charitable donations

• Not assist, encourage, or fail to report any form of tax evasion

The Nursery’s Anti-Bribery and Anti-Facilitation of Tax Evasion policies apply fully to agency staff and any person acting on behalf of the Nursery.

8. Grievance, Discipline, and Capability

Agency staff may raise concerns through the Nursery’s Grievance Procedure. The Nursery also reserves the right to apply its disciplinary standards to agency staff where appropriate.

Examples of serious misconduct include, but are not limited to:

• Unlawful discrimination, harassment, or bullying

• Breaches of Nursery policies

• Safeguarding failures

• Misuse of confidential information or IT systems

Disciplinary or capability issues may result in removal from the Nursery, notification to the supplying agency, and, where necessary, referral to relevant authorities.