1. Statement of Intent
  • At Jack in the Box Preschool we have a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment for all staff, volunteers, and third parties, parents and contractors.
  • Sexual harassment is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010 and Jack in the Box Preschool has a legal duty to prevent it.
  1. Scope and Definitions
  • Who is protected: All employees, students on placement, and volunteers.
  • Definition: Unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, or offensive environment.
  • Childcare Examples: Scenarios such as inappropriate “jokes” or “banter” in The Setting, intrusive questions about private lives, digital activity  or unwanted touching during team activities.
  1. Third-Party Harassment (Parents & Visitors)
  • Harassment by parents, guardians, or visitors will not be tolerated. We expect no suggestive comments at handover, parents meetings or inappropriate messaging.
  • Consequences will be immediate, such as issuing formal warnings, banning individuals from the premises, termination of the childcare contract or reporting criminal acts to the police.
  1. Reporting Procedures
  • Multiple Channels: Any unwanted behaviours of harassment must be reported to The Manager or Assistant Manager, this can also be an anonymous telephone/email.
  • Confidentiality: We guarantee that reports will be handled sensitively and confidentially as far as possible.
  • Protection from Victimisation: No staff member will be penalized or treated unfairly for making a good-faith complaint or acting as a witness.
  1. Safeguarding Links
  • If the harassment involves potential harm to children or meets the threshold for “low-level concerns,” this policy is linked to our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.
  • Potentially referrals will be made to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) where appropriate.
  1. Manager and Staff Responsibilities
  • Managers: Will conduct regular risk assessments (e.g., assessing risks during lone working or social events), provide annual interactive training, and act immediately on reports. This includes disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
  • Staff: Have a duty to attend mandatory training and report any harassment they witness.
  1. 2026 Legal Compliance Updates
  • Whistleblowing: From April 2026, reporting sexual harassment is a “qualifying disclosure” under whistleblowing law, providing additional legal protection from detriment.
  • NDA Ban: Non-disclosure agreements cannot be used to prevent staff from discussing harassment or discrimination.

22nd  January  2026                              Manager sign Jenny

Review January 2026                         Jack in the Box Playgroup Limited trading as Jack in the Box Preschool.