Children Being Picked Up Late

[Carol]

Hi

 

We have a policy for children not being picked up but what do you do if you have been informed that the child will be picked up but the carer will be late?

 

This has happened to us a few times, mainly because the childs sibling has had to be rushed into hospital so we have to be sensitive about how we handle it.

 

However, we finish our morning session at 12.30 and we are not paid after that for set up and pack away time so effectively we are looking after a child during which we are not paid.

 

Also to make things worse I am a TA in the school we are attached to in the afternoons and I start work there at 1.00pm so If 2 members of staff (one of which has to be me for first aid and child protection reasons) are looking after the child I don't get a break in between jobs and sometimes it makes me late for my job as a TA (I have spoken to the headtaecher of the school about it).

 

I really feel sorry for the family as they have only just moved into the area and have no close family or neighbours who could collect the child if they have had to rush off.

 

I have been told by a committee member that if they are more than 15 mins late we can claim for half an hours pay.

 

Anyway I was just wondering what other settings do in this situation.

 

 

Carol

[Guest]

Under these circumstances Carol I would make it part of your policy that an extra amount will be charged for anybody collecting their child late-then at least you are not singling out one particular family. In all fairness to yourself and any other members of staff you can't be expected to stay and not get paid. I know many pre-schools and day nurseries who charge £5 after quarter of an hour.

I must be honest and say that we don't do it and have been very fortunate in that when parents are late it is usually a one off and they have a valid reason. But I have been tempted in the past when one parent was abusing the fact that although we finish at 12 o'clock for the main session we are open until 12.30 for some children who stay for lunch. When I explained I would have to make extra charges she soon stopped.

It is a difficult situation and I appreciate they have no support to hand. But you do need a break before starting your afternoon job. Are there any other parents who could perhaps be approached to lend a helping hand? If you approached them, with the parents permission of course, this may be easier than them having to do it. It may be the start of a friendship for the families.

Linda

[hali]

hi we have put into place a fining system that if parents/carers are late more than twise without good reason we will fine tit hem...so far we have not had to implement it

[Inge]

As we often had parents who collected late we now have a policy that if they are more than 15 mins late we telephone to find out where they are and charge them for the extra time £5.00 and the staff claim extra time in thier wages for every 15 mins they are looking after the child. we have had to use this 3 times since implementing.

 

As this is a policy for late collection reguardless of reasons or notice we still charge even for parents who inform us they will be late with a valid reason. we have to cover at least some of the staff wages. when explained to parents and a policy for all I have not had any parent complain about having to pay. They feel it is worth it knowing their child is safe.

 

we also have all staff trained in first aid and child protection so that if this occurs they are all able to stay and wait for the parent if needed. this means that it allows anyone who needs to go to another job the chance to do so.

 

Inge

[Carol]

Hi

 

Thanks for your replies . I think I will approach the committee and ask them to include some sort of fee for late pick ups in our policys.

 

I have 5 staff, working a variety of hours and 3 have first aid and child protection training and the other two are already enrolled on courses during the summer term so if children are collected late we may have to work out a rota of some sort with the staff. I have spoken to some of our parents and they say they would happily pay if they were late as they knew ther child was in safe hands.

 

I have also invited the family out on one of our staff/parent/carer meals so they get the chance to socialise and meet others in the local area.

 

Carol