Uncollected child

Policy statement

If a child is not collected by someone authorised to do so, we put into practice agreed procedures. Our aim is to ensure that the child is cared for safely by practitioners who are known to them. This will minimise any distress caused to the child. Parents are informed of our procedures so that if they are ever unable to collect their child they know they will be cared for appropriately.

Procedures

·        When a child registers with the nursery parents are asked to provide a range of information which is retained in the child’s personal file. This includes:

o   Home address and telephone number

o   Work and mobile telephone numbers

o   Names, addresses and telephone numbers of adults authorised by parents to collect their child from nursery and who can be contacted in an emergency if parents cannot be reached.

o   Person(s) who has parental responsibility for the child.

o   Information about any person who does not have legal access to the child

·        When a parent knows they cannot be contacted through usual channels they are asked to provide us with alternative contact details.

·        If parents or other individuals authorised to collect the child are unable to do so they must let us know who will be collecting the child and how we can identify them. 

·        If parents discover they will not be able to collect their child, they must contact us as soon as possible so that alternative arrangements can be put in to effect.

·        If a child is not collected at the end of the session we follow our Uncollected Child Procedure.

·        Our procedure is as follows:

o   The child’s file (CR10) is checked for any information about changes to the normal collection routine and staff are asked if any message has been received.

o   If no information is available parents are contacted using numbers we hold on our records.

o   If this is unsuccessful we attempt to contact the persons listed as being authorised to collect the child.

o   All reasonable attempts are made to contact the parents or nominated persons.

o   If no-one collects the child by the time the nursery closes (4.30pm or 1 hour after expected collection time) we apply procedures for an uncollected child.

o   We contact our local authority social care team on 01213031888

o   If necessary, we contact the out of hours duty officer on 0121 675 4806.

o   The child will remain in the nursery with two practitioners until the child is collected either by the parents or by a social care worker.

o   Social care will aim to find the parent or relative. If they are unable to do so, the child will become ‘looked after’ by the local authority.

o   The child will not leave the setting with any other person and staff will not leave the setting to look for the parent.

·        A full written report of the incident is recorded in the child’s file.

·        The nursery reserves the right to charge parents for the additional hours worked by staff.

·        OFSTED may be informed on 0300 123 1231.