Collection & Arrival Policy

Safe Handovers Every Time

Clear collection and arrival procedures ensure children's safety and provide consistent, reassuring routines for families.

Arrival Procedures

Drop-Off Times

• Main arrival: 7:30am - 9:00am

• Late arrivals must notify nursery by phone

• Maximum arrival time: 9:30am (to minimize routine disruption)

Sign-In Process

• Parent/carer signs child in digitally or on register

• Marks actual arrival time

• Notes any relevant information (late night, unwell sibling, etc.)

• Hands child directly to staff member

• Never leave child unattended in entrance

Essential Information:

• Changes to usual routine or collection

• Medications administered at home

• Disturbed sleep or illness symptoms

• Dietary changes or new allergies

• Emotional upset or significant events

• Any safeguarding concerns

Collection Procedures

Pick-Up Times

• Collection window: 3:00pm - 6:00pm

• Specify contracted collection time

• Late collection incurs charges (£15 per 15 minutes)

• Nursery closes: 6:00pm sharp

Sign-Out Process

• Parent/carer signs child out on register

• Receives verbal handover from key person

• Checks belongings and artwork

• Reviews daily diary/learning journal

• Child only released to authorized adult

Authorized Collectors

Registration Required

• Minimum two authorized adults on file

• Photo ID required for verification

• Written consent for any changes

• Password system for telephone authorization

• 24 hours' notice for new collectors preferred

ID Verification

• All collectors asked for ID first time

• Staff have right to request ID anytime

• Unknown collectors not admitted

• Emergency contacts verified before release

Children Will NOT Be Released To:

• Anyone under 16 years old

• Anyone appearing intoxicated or under influence

• Unauthorized persons (even if known to child)

• Anyone without valid ID when requested

Late Collection

Our Process

• Attempt contact with parents (all numbers)

• Contact emergency contacts if no response

• Child cared for safely with reassurance

• Late fee applied: £15 per 15 minutes after 6:00pm

• After 30 minutes with no contact: Local authority informed

• Police contacted if child welfare at risk

Persistent Late Collection

• Meeting with parents to address concerns

• Contract review and potential termination

• Safeguarding referral if child welfare concern

Non-Collection

If authorized person fails to collect and no contact made:

• Emergency contacts called

• Child remains in our care with senior staff

• Local authority duty team contacted after 1 hour

• Police informed if safeguarding concerns

• Incident logged and parents informed in writing

Emergency Collection Changes

Telephone Authorization

• Provide pre-arranged password

• Confirm new collector's full name

• New collector must bring photo ID

• Staff verify ID before release

• Logged on child's record

Written Authorization

• Email acceptable if from registered address

• Must include child's name, date, collector details

• Staff acknowledge receipt

• Collector ID still verified

Custody & Access Arrangements

Court Orders

• Legal documentation must be provided

• Court orders stored securely on file

• All staff informed appropriately

• Collection restrictions enforced

• Police contacted if non-custodial parent attempts collection

Your Responsibility

• Provide court order copies

• Update us immediately if orders change

• Inform us of any safety concerns

• Maintain current contact details