Drop-Off and Collection Policy

School Age Services – Ireland

Name of Service: Blossom’s Childcare

This policy is available at all times and communicated to parents, guardians, and school age children.

1. Purpose

This policy is designed to ensure the safe arrival and departure of all children attending the service.

It outlines the procedures to prevent unauthorised access or collection, safeguard children, and

provide clarity for families and staff.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, parents/guardians, and authorised persons involved in the drop-off

and collection of children from the school age service.

3. Guiding Principles

 The safety, welfare, and protection of every child is of paramount importance.

 Children will only be released to authorised individuals as agreed with parents/guardians.

 Supervision is maintained at all times during drop-off and collection.

 Punctuality, consistency, and communication are encouraged.

 Children will be insured during transportation to the service (for example from the school

they are being collected from and to the property they will be dropped to).

4. Drop-Off Procedure

 Children must be accompanied into the service by a parent/guardian or authorised adult.

 Staff will sign the child in using the daily attendance log.

 Parents/guardians must communicate any relevant updates (e.g., changes in collection)

during drop-off.

 If a child is arriving from school (walked/bussed in), staff will complete sign-in upon arrival

and ensure a handover from school staff (if applicable).

Affinity Childcare Group Ltd T/A Blossoms Childcare

5. Collection Procedure

 Children will only be released to the parent/guardian or pre-authorised collector listed on

the child’s registration form.

 Collectors must be aged 16 years or older.

 Parents must inform the service in advance (verbally or in writing) if someone new or

different will collect their child.

 Staff may ask for photo identification for unfamiliar collectors.

 Staff will sign the child out and ensure a safe handover.

 Staff are not permitted to release a child to a person who appears to be under the influence

of drugs or alcohol. In such cases, an alternative collector will be contacted.

6. Late Collection

 Children must be collected promptly at the agreed collection time.

 If a parent/guardian is delayed:

o They must notify the service as soon as possible.

o A members will remain with the child until collected.

o A late collection record will be kept, and repeated late collections will be addressed

by management.

7. Uncollected Children Procedure

If a child has not been collected within 30 minutes of closing and no contact has been made:

1. Staff will attempt to contact parents/guardians and emergency contacts.

2. If no one can be reached, and after exhausting all efforts, the Child and Family Agency

(Tusla) may be contacted for advice.

3. The child will remain supervised at all times.

8. Authorisation to Collect

 Parents must complete and update the Authorised Collection Form.

 Any court orders or custody arrangements affecting collection must be provided to the

service in writing.

 If a non-authorised person arrives to collect a child, the child will not be released until

authorisation is confirmed with the parent.

Affinity Childcare Group Ltd T/A Blossoms Childcare

9. Unexpected Circumstances

If a parent cannot collect their child as planned:

 They must contact the service and provide the name and contact details of the alternate

collector.

 The alternate person may be asked to provide ID.

 No child will be released without confirmation from the parent.

10. Safeguarding Concerns

 Any incidents of concern during drop-off or collection (e.g., distressed child, aggressive

adult, custody dispute) will be recorded and reported in line with the Child Safeguarding

Policy.

 Staff are trained in Children First and will act appropriately to protect the welfare of

children.

11. Collection of Children from School (Walking Transfer Procedure)

When children are collected from school and brought to our service by foot, we implement the

following procedure:

- School Collection Agreement

 Parents/guardians must complete and sign a School Collection Consent Form stating that the

service is authorised to collect their child(ren) from the school.

 Details include the child’s school, teacher name, class, and usual collection time.

- Staff Responsibility

 All staff involved in school collections are Garda vetted, trained in child safeguarding, and

familiar with walking safety protocols.

- Walking Route and Supervision

 The walking route from the school to the service is pre-approved and risk assessed.

 Children will wear hi-vis vests for visibility and safety.

 A headcount is done before leaving the school, during the walk (at checkpoints), and upon

arrival at the service.

 Staff carry a first aid kit, mobile phone, and emergency contact list during transfers.

Affinity Childcare Group Ltd T/A Blossoms Childcare

 Children are instructed to walk in pairs, stay on the footpath, and follow adult instructions at

all times.

12. If a Person Appears Unfit to Collect

 Staff discreetly assess the individual.

 Politely delay collection and suggest alternatives.

 Contact the manager and document the incident.

 If safety is at risk, do not release the child and contact Tusla or Gardaí.

 Follow-up meeting may be arranged; repeat issues are escalated.

13. Review

Policy is reviewed annually or following legislative changes, feedback, or incidents.