suebear Posted April 5, 2011 Share Posted April 5, 2011 Hi, I'm after a little bit of advice really. We have a parent who drives her children to the pre-school (children aged 2 and 4). It's been brought to my attention that she isn't putting the children in car seats. What should I do? I've previously sent home car safety leaflets and apparently the previous Chair has given this mum a car seat so we know she has/had at least one seat. Also she was saying today about all the toys she has just bought for her garden so it doesn't sound like a cost issue. I know I need to speak to the mum but what happens if even after our chat she doesn't use car seats? Does my duty of care mean I shouldn't be releasing her children? I know if the mum was drunk I certainly wouldn't let them go with her, and now I know mum is breaking the law and putting her children at risk I know I have to act. But in what way? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Spiral Posted April 5, 2011 Share Posted April 5, 2011 Hi there Suebear, It's a difficult one. There is guidance here; http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/law/ Although it is your responsibility to ensure the children leave safely, I would imagine that you would be covered if you have advised the parent about safety and provided maybe a leaflet (and document that you have done this somewhere). However, it doesn't cover a small child in an accident. Have you considered making an anonymous call to your police station and providing info such as car reg and name/address of the parent - they can stop and search if they are concerned. Best of luck, keep us informed, Spiral. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 Tricky! On occasions I've had a parent of a minded child pick up without a seat and loaned (i.e. forced upon them! ) one of mine for the journey home. I think I'd, as Spiral suggested, hav a word with the local police station. If you raise your concerns with them, perhaps they'll "happen" to be passing at home time and could chat, in general, with everyone about car seat safety. Good Luck! Nona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suebear Posted May 8, 2011 Author Share Posted May 8, 2011 Just thought I'd update - I've spoken to the Police and our local PCSO is going to come in and chat to parents about car safety at picking up time. Thank you for your advice x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panders Posted May 8, 2011 Share Posted May 8, 2011 Just thought I'd update - I've spoken to the Police and our local PCSO is going to come in and chat to parents about car safety at picking up time. Thank you for your advice x That seems like the best thing to do. If at mine, I would have asked our Community Police Officer to call by at just about pick up time, we know her very well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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