End of Day Collection Guidance for staff and parents

Core Principle
Children must only be dismissed to known adults with parental responsibility, unless prior permission has been provided and verified by the school office

Dismissal to Parents/Carers with Parental Responsibility

• Staff should dismiss children directly to adults they recognise and know to have parental responsibility.
• If there is any uncertainty about the adult’s identity, staff must not release the child until this has been clarified with the office.

• Children must not be dismissed to any adult who is not known to staff unless prior notification has been received via the school office.
• This includes:

• Extended family members (e.g. grandparents, aunts/uncles)
• Friends of the family
• Other parents

• The message must:

• Come through the office (not via the child or informal conversation)
• Clearly name the person collecting
• Be confirmed as authorised by the parent/carer

• If an unfamiliar adult arrives and no message has been received:

• Politely explain that you are unable to release the child
• Direct the adult to the school office
• Keep the child with you until the situation is resolved

• Follow school procedures for late collection
• Ensure children remain supervised at all times until collected

• Never rely on a child’s word alone regarding changes to collection arrangements
• Always err on the side of caution
• Report any concerns or unusual situations to the office or a member of SLT immediately