Late collections policy

Principles

This policy is for the protection of children who have been left at the setting over the agreed collection time or once the setting has closed. The setting has a duty of care to the children and parents to ensure that collection of young children is made at the agreed time or within normal setting opening hours. Late collection causes additional overhead and costs for the setting and potentially unnecessary distress to a child. Children remaining in our care after the agreed collection time or after normal opening hours must be supervised by a minimum of two members of staff, if an early years child, one staff member must be early years qualified.

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We appreciate that sometimes there may be circumstances beyond parent/carer control affecting the prompt collection of your child. If you know you are going to be late collecting the child in our care please call at the earliest opportunity and discuss with the manager/deputy manager the arrangements for the collection. Please note that a late stay fee will still be chargeable, unless agreed otherwise, for example in exceptional circumstances.

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Procedure

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All parents/carers will be given a five-minute grace period on late collection of their child. If your child has still not been collected 5 minutes after the session has ended (e.g. holiday club 12:05/3:50 –, Mother Nurture 3:05) then a £10.00 charge will be levied for every 10 minutes thereafter. If you are late collecting your child, they will be cared for where possible, by their key person and a senior member of staff. Your child will be reassured by the staff members.

Any specific needs will be addressed.

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If your child(ren) remains uncollected 5 minutes over the set time: The setting Manager and staff team will be made aware of the situation. No late fee is charged unless this becomes a regular occurrence.

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If your child(ren) remains uncollected 5-10 minutes over the set time: The parents or carers will be contacted; late stay fees will be collected £10.

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If your child(ren) remains uncollected for 10-20 minutes over the set time: The manager/deputy manager will contact the first emergency contact on your child’s contact card. Please note this will not happen if the manager has been successful in contacting the parent/carer to collect the child. Late stay fees will still be collected of £20

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If your child(ren) remains uncollected 20-30 minutes over the set time:  Late stay fees will be collected of £30.

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If your child(ren) remains uncollected for 30 minutes over the set time: The manager/deputy manager will contact the local authority’s Safeguarding Team for advice on their next course of action. This will only happen if none of the child’s emergency numbers have made contact with the setting. Please note that late stay fees will be collected and charged at a level relative to the circumstances and lateness.

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ESCALATION

Ofsted will be notified in the event of collections after 30 minutes where no notification was given. Late fees will be charged and need to be paid within 24 hours of the late collection.

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Unreasonable and/or persistent lateness may regrettably result in the setting permanently terminating your booking.

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Please note that if the manager/deputy manager sees fit she/he may contact the local authority’s Duty Assessment Team earlier than stated in the set procedures for advice if necessary.

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Please always ensure the contact number on your booking is always switched on and contactable during the hours your child(ren) is in our care.