Tobacco, Drugs, Vape and Alcohol-Free Environment Policy

1. Overview

1.1 Purpose 

The Tobacco, Drugs, Vape and Alcohol-Free Policy outlines the rules in place to ensure that our environment provides children, team members, and visitors with the best opportunity to maintain good health when attending our program.

1.2 Scope

All Junior Adventure Group (JAG) People must comply with the provisions set out in this policy, their contract of employment, and all other relevant policies, procedures, and legislation. It is a condition of their contract of employment that staff are tobacco, drug, vape, and alcohol-free while on site, and they identify any person under the influence in the care and education setting.

1.3 Legislative Requirements 

Under the Education and Care Services National Regulations, Junior Adventures Group is required to have policies and procedures in place to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of the children in care. JAG must provide an environment that is free from tobacco, drugs, vaping devices, vaping substances, and alcohol.

2. Policy Statement 

JAG is committed to providing a safe and positive environment where children and young people can participate in a broad range of experiences and learning opportunities. Research suggests that Passive smoking poses a serious health risk to children and adults.

To ensure children are not subjected to the dangers of tobacco, drugs and alcohol, all effort will be made to ensure no individual JAG Person or other adult affected by alcohol or drugs is present on the Service premises.

3. Principles

3.1. Paramountcy Principle

At JAG, the safety, rights and best interests of children are our paramount consideration in all aspects of our operations. In the delivery of education and care services, every decision, action, and interaction must prioritize the wellbeing, protection, and dignity of children above all other considerations. JAG has a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and misconduct.

All JAG people are required to act in a manner that safeguards children, upholds their rights, and promotes environments that are safe, inclusive, and respectful. Where competing priorities arise, the best interests of the child will always guide decision-making.

 3.2. Smoking and Vaping

Team Members who smoke or vape must only do so off-site and out of view of the public and school community at all times. JAG People must not smoke or vape when working directly with children or when in uniform and must exercise universal handwashing and hygiene after smoking or vaping. Staff members must not noticeably smell like cigarettes or other smoking products whilst they are caring for children.

3.3 Visitors Smoking or Vaping on the Premises

If visitors are found smoking or vaping on the premises, they will be advised of the smoke-free environment and asked to cease smoking or vaping immediately. No smoking or vaping is permitted within the school grounds or 10 metres of children’s playground equipment.

3.4 Drugs and Alcohol

Any person attending the Service affected by drugs or alcohol will be asked to leave immediately. This includes prescription medication where there is a risk to children or team members.

Team Members will protect children from any adult (including JAG People, parents, guardians, or visitors) who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the service. The police will be contacted if a person severely affected by drugs or alcohol is on or near the premises.

Team Members must communicate the occurrence of an incident, injury, trauma or illness to other Team Members or volunteers to ensure adequate supervision is maintained, as per 02P005 Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Procedure.

3.5 Supervision

Team members must ensure that active supervision of children is maintained throughout the session. All JAG People will work together to ensure that they are actively supervising children and maintaining clear communication with other team members as per 02P015 Supervision of Children Procedure.

3.6 Child Safety 

We safeguard children through our procedures and practices, with particular attention to their exposure to harmful substances. Policies and practices reflect the relevant legislation, including the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. JAG provides policies and procedures to equip JAG people with the knowledge, skills, and awareness to keep children safe. Service Practices are continuously reviewed and improved to ensure current legislation is in effect throughout the business.

Key Terms

JAG People:

• Any adult that governs, manages, conducts work for or provides activities to JAG in a paid or unpaid activity spanning all levels of the organisational structure.

Team Member:

• JAG People who work directly with children

4. References

Relevant Legislation

National Quality Standards for Early Childhood Education and Care
Smoke-Free Environment Act 2000/Tobacco Legislation Amendment Act 2012
Smoke-Free Environment Regulation 2016
Tobacco Act 1987
Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010
Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011

Other Relevant Legislation

Regulation 82 – Environment to be free from tobacco, vaping devices, vaping substances, drugs and alcohol
Regulation 83 – Staff members and family day care educators are not to be affected by alcohol or drugs
Regulation 84 – Awareness of child protection law
Regulation 168 – Education and care service must have policies and procedures
Regulation 170 – Policies and procedures to be followed
Regulation 171 – Policies and procedures to be kept available
Regulation 172 – Notification of change to policies or procedures

Related Procedures

Related Policies

Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy
Professional Code of Conduct
Workplace Health and Safety Policy
Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Policy
Child Safe Environment Policy

Other

Quality Area 2, 5, 6 & 7: Standards 2.1, 5.2 6.1, 6.2, 7.1

NSW Guide to Child Safe Standards - https://ocg.nsw.gov.au/child-safe-scheme
VIC Child safe Standards - https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safe-standards/
ACT Child Safe Standards - https://www.act.gov.au/education-and-training/life-at-school-and-college/keeping-children-safe
QLD Child Safe Standards - https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/childsafe/standards
National Principles for Child Safe Organisations - https://childsafe.humanrights.gov.au/national-principles

Version: 3.3
Change History: JAG Policy Change Register
Date Approved: 10.06.2026
Date Implemented: 29.06.2026
Document Owner: Quality Service Development
Document Approvers: CEO / Approved Provider
Next Review: 12 Months