Collection Of Children From School.
Overview
Children’s safety is of paramount importance to us at Shaw Cross Infants and Nursery School. National Guidance tells us that if schools are aware that parents are allowing an older sibling to look after a younger child, it would be good practice to provide information to parents/carers to assist safe decision making about the arrangements. There is no set legal age that children can walk to and from school independently or be left on their own. However, it is an offence to leave a child alone if it places them at risk and therefore schools have a continual obligation to alert relevant authorities if they believe this is the case. Consequently, this does include the journey to and from school.
The Kirklees safeguarding Children’s board, indicates that it is NOT acceptable for a Child at key stage 1 age to be collected by anyone under the age of 16. The school is not responsible for the safety of a pupil once the school day is over and the pupil has left the school premises.
Approach
With this in mind, Shaw Cross Infant and Nursery School ask parents to inform school prior to 3:00pm of any situations where a parent/carer wishing to allow their child/ren to be collected by a sibling (over the age of 16) or other responsible party. This reflects the values of the school, but more importantly addresses the safeguarding of our pupils.
The school have the right to refuse any person under this age permission to collect a pupil from the school`s premises.
Right to refuse a parent or carer to collect a pupil
There are factors which may affect a parent/carers ability to care for and look after a child/ren and ensure and provide a safe and friendly environment for them. The use of drugs/alcohol or the presence of mental health difficulties does not in itself necessarily mean that the parents/carers are uncaring, incompetent or unable to offer safe care to their child/ren. However, if the extent of a parent’s own needs mean that they cannot keep the child safe from harm, then a safeguarding referral to Children’s Services is required. ‘Drugs’ in this context refers to all drugs including medicines, volatile substances, alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs. If an adult with parental responsibility presents at school and staff are concerned that their presentation suggests they are unable to offer safe care, steps must be taken to clarify the situation and assess the risk to the child. If we are concerned about the ability to care for the child based on the factors above, then a safeguarding referral to Children’s Services is required.