Dropping Off and Collecting

As an Ofsted registered childminding setting, we have to follow strict regulations with regards to who may legally drop off and collect the children in our care.

We are only allowed to release the children to;

• The persons named on the contract
• Another responsible adult, who has been previously introduced to us, and then only with written consent from your selves, this may be in the form of a Letter, an email or text message.
• In the case of emergency, another responsible adult with photographic identification and/or password which has been agreed with your selves.
• A member of Social services in certain situations, once identity has been confirmed.
• In the case of an accident or major medical emergency, the medical staff/surgical team

We will not, even if requested, release children to any person under the age of sixteen.

We reserve the right to refuse to handover a child to any person, if we feel that they may be put in danger, for example if the person collecting we feel is under the influence of drink or drugs. (Please see our Alcohol and Drugs policy).

If for any reason the persons named on the contract are unable to drop your child(ren), please advise us beforehand and agree a password to be used to confirm the person dropping off is who they say they are.

The Handing Over of Responsibility

Research has shown that more accidents/incidents occur when both, the Childminder/assistant and parent(s)/carers are present. This is for a variety of reasons:

• The child may feel that with both adults talking they are being ignored, therefore they misbehave in order to gain attention.
• The child senses that neither adult feels comfortable taking responsibility and tests boundaries further than they would normally.
• No one is supervising the child sufficiently and accidents occur.

You the parent are to take responsibility as soon as you arrive to collect you child, but should your child behave in an unacceptable manner they will still be expected to adhere to our Childminding ethos whilst in our home (please refer to our behaviour policy).

Punctuality

It is important that you arrive at the contracted time to drop off and collect your child. Even very young children learn our routine and know when they are due to attend or their parents are due to collect. They can become distressed if you are early to drop off or late to collect.

Early Drop offs.

We know that sometimes traffic conditions are lighter than expected, especially during school holidays, however if you should find that you have arrived earlier than anticipated, we would be grateful if you would wait outside until your contracted start time in order for us to have the setting fully prepared and safety checked prior to your child/children attending.

Late Collections.

We know sometimes delays are unavoidable, especially if you are relying on public transport. If you are delayed, for whatever reason please contact us and let us know when you expect to arrive. We will normally be able to accommodate the additional care, however if we are unable, we will contact other adults from the authorised list and arrange for them to collect your child. We will reassure your child that you are on the way and if necessary organise additional activities and a meal.

If we have not heard from you, and you are very late we will try and make contact with you. We will also attempt to contact the emergency numbers provided. If we are unable to make contact with anyone after a reasonable amount of time (one hour from the agreed collection time), we will inform Social Services and follow their advice. (In the case of a terrorist attack or National Emergency then this procedure will not be put into practice, (please see our national emergency/terrorist attack policy)).

We reserve the right to make an additional charge for early drops and late collections, this will be at the rate of £8.00

Please note that TinyTots are not covered by their insurance policies outside of contracted hours unless we have been previously notified.

Please also advise TinyTots in advance if you are going to be dropping off late or collecting early as we may have to be or have planned to be away from the setting.