Non-collection Policy
Reviewed by: Phil Parker
Next Review date : September 2024
Statement of intent
In the event that a child is not collected by an authorised adult at the end of a session/day, the setting puts into practice agreed procedures. These ensure the child is cared for safely by an experienced and qualified practitioner who is known to the child.
Aim
In the event that a child is not collected by an authorised adult, we will ensure that the child receives a high standard of care in order to cause as little distress as possible. We inform parents / carers of our procedures so that, if they are unavoidably delayed, they will be reassured that their children will be properly cared for.
Methods
Parents of children starting at the setting are asked to provide specific information which is recorded on our registration form, including:
- home address and telephone number – if the parents do not have a telephone, an alternative number must be given, perhaps a neighbour or close relative;
- place of work, address and telephone number (if applicable);
- mobile telephone number;
- names, addresses and telephone numbers of adults who are authorised by the parents to collect their child from the setting, for example a childminder or family member or friend. A password/pin will be given to these people to verify they are authorised to collect the child;
- information about any person who does not have legal access to the child;
- who has parental responsibility for the child.
- on occasions when parents or the persons normally authorised to collect the child are not able to collect the child, they record the name, address and telephone number of the person who will be collecting their child on the registration forms. We agree with parents how to verify the identity of the person who is to collect their child (normally password/pin and photo identification).
- parents are informed that if they are not able to collect the child as planned, they must inform us (either by telephone, or using a written signed note advising us of the fact) so that we can begin to take back-up procedures. We provide parents with the contact telephone number of the Office Customer Care Team & Senior Staff Member. We also inform parents that – in the event that their children are not collected from setting by an authorised adult and the staff can no longer supervise the child on our premises – we apply our child protection procedures as set out in our Safeguarding Children policy.
If a child is not collected at the end of the session/day, we follow the following procedures;
- The child's form is checked for any information about changes to the normal collection routines.
- If no information is available, parents / carers are contacted at home or at work.
- If this is unsuccessful, the adults who are authorised by the parents to collect their child from the setting will be contacted.
- All reasonable attempts are made to contact the parents or nominated carers.
- The child does not leave the premises with anyone other than those named on the child's Registration form.
If no-one collects the child after one hour and there is no-one who can be contacted to collect the child, we apply the procedures for uncollected children;
- We contact our Local Authority’s Children’s Services Social Care Team: Lancashire County Council Children's Care Team 0300 123 6720 or out of hours 0300 123 6722
- The child stays at setting in the care of two fully-vetted workers until the child is safely collected either by the parents or by a social worker;
- Social services will aim to find the parent or relative if they are unable to do so, the child will be admitted into the care of the Local Authority.
- Under no circumstances are staff to go to look for the parent, nor do they take the child home/home with them.
- A full written report of the incident is recorded in the child's file.
- Depending on circumstances, we reserve the right to charge parents for the additional hours worked by our staff.
- Ofsted may be informed (telephone number 0300 123 1231 / 0845 640 4040)
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