Non Collection of Children

• If a child is not collected by closing time staff implement the ‘non-collected child’ procedure.
• Two staff remain with the child on the premises – one of whom is the Manager or deputy Manager.
• Every effort is made to contact the parent/s to find out what has happened.
• Emergency contacts are called to see if there is another known carer who can collect the child.
• If no contact is made with either the parent or a known carer, and ONE HOUR has passed after closing time, the Cass or local Social Care Out-of-Hours Duty Officer is called (see and follow safeguarding procedure).
• The child’s details are given to the social worker and an explanation of what has happened.
• Social workers will attempt to find parents and will take the child into their care if the parent cannot be found.
• While waiting for the parent staff ensure the child is not made anxious and do not discuss their concerns in front of him/her.
• The staff and child should remain in their indoor clothes; the child should be made to feel comfortable, with something to eat or drink given and quiet activities.
• Telephone calls are made where the child cannot hear.
• Staff do not go off premises to look for the parent
• Staff do not go off premises to take the child home or to a carer.
• Staff do not offer to take the child home with them to care for them in their own home until contact with the parent is made.

Staff make a record in the child’s file that the lateness has occurred, what they did about it, when the parent arrived or whether Social Care were called.

Updated April 2019