Late Collection Policy & Procedure

TRULY SCRUMPTIOUS NURSERY Late Collection Policy & Procedure

1. Purpose of the Policy

This policy is designed to safeguard and protect children who are not collected at the agreed time or are left at the nursery after official closing hours. Late collection not only causes distress to children and inconvenience to staff but can also impact compliance with Ofsted and safeguarding regulations.

2. Duty of Care

Truly Scrumptious Early Years Nurseries has a legal and ethical duty of care to ensure all children are collected on time and remain safe while on the premises. Children who are still in our care after closing time or the end of their session must be supervised by a minimum of two staff members, including at least one qualified practitioner.

3. Opening Hours

• Full Day: 7:30am – 6:30pm

• Sessional Care End Time: 1:00pm

Children must be collected by the end of their booked session and no later than 6:30pm. We are not permitted to operate beyond this time due to Ofsted registration and planning restrictions.

4. Parent Communication & Emergency Collection

We understand that emergencies or unforeseen delays may occasionally occur. In such instances, parents must:

• Call the nursery immediately to inform us of the delay.

• Provide an estimated time of arrival.

• Arrange for an authorised alternative adult (as listed on the collection form) to collect the child if necessary.

All families are required to complete a Collection Arrangement Form, which includes a password system and the names and contact details of authorised collectors.

5. Late Collection Supervision

• Children will be supervised in a safe and comforting environment until collected.

• A minimum of two staff members must remain on site with the child at all times.

• Every effort will be made to reassure and engage the child until their parent/carer arrives.

6. Late Collection Fees

To cover additional staffing costs and disruption, the following fees apply:

• Fees are payable in cash on the same day.

• The fee will be passed directly to the staff who remained beyond hours.

• If payment is not made the same day, a £5.00 daily late penalty will be applied.

7. Persistent Late Collection

Repeated late collection will result in:

• A formal warning.

• A meeting with management to review ongoing suitability of childcare arrangements.

• In persistent cases, this may lead to termination of the child’s place at the nursery.

8. Uncollected Children Procedure (Safeguarding)

If a child is not collected by 7:00pm and no contact has been made with the parent or authorised individuals:

• The nursery will contact the Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) or Children’s Social Care.

• The police may also be contacted for assistance.

• Full records of the incident, including attempted contacts and staff actions, will be logged.

9. Monitoring and Review

This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner if necessary following an incident or change in legislation.

Reviewed by: Brittany V – Manager – 27/05/2025