Collection from School Arrangements

Good afternoon, everyone.

It has been brilliant to welcome everyone back to start our summer term. I do hope that you have all enjoyed the Easter break and have managed to enjoy some time with your family and friends.

This is quite a long Dojo message but it is vitally important. Please read this carefully.

COLLECTION FROM SCHOOL ARRANGEMENTS

Please be reminded of our expectations for the collection of children from school & after school clubs

Keeping our children safe is our highest priority here at Southwark. This letter outlines our collection procedures at the end of the school day, as well as from After School Club and extra-curricular clubs, to ensure the safety of children as they as they leave the school site.

COLLECTION AT THE END OF THE SCHOOL DAY

Year 6 & Year 5: Children can be collected by an agreed adult, older sibling, or they can walk home with a permission slip signed by a parent or carer. Children can only walk home alone in Year 5 or Year 6. As a school, we recommend that pupils are dropped off and collected by a parent or carer. However, if you wish your child in Year 5 or Year 6 to walk home by themselves, you will need to speak with their class teacher and sign a form giving your permission. Please think carefully about the safety of the route your child will take.

Year 4: Children cannot walk home alone and must be collected by an agreed adult, 16 years or over.

Year 3 & Year 2: Children must be collected by an agreed adult, 16 years or over.

Year 1, Reception, & Nursery: Children must be collected by an agreed adult, 16 years or over, who has the correct password.

Older siblings walking younger siblings home: As a school, in the interests of safety, it is against our policy to allow older siblings, under the age of 16, to collect children in Year 4 or below.

COLLECTION FROM EXTRA-CURRICULAR CLUBS

Year 5 and Year 6:

For clubs running in Autumn 1 (2nd September 2021 – 15th October 2021), Summer 1 & 2 (19th April 2022 – 28th July 2022) children can be collected by an agreed adult, older sibling or walk home from clubs on their own. Parental permission must be indicated on the club permission letter to confirm how children will be going home.

For clubs running in Autumn 2, Spring 1 & Spring 2 (1st November 2021 – 31st March 2022) when it is darker earlier in the evening, all children must be collected by an agreed adult, 16 years or older. Children will not be able to walk home by themselves or be picked up by a sibling under 16 years of age.

Nursery, Reception, Years 1, 2, 3, 4: All year, children must be collected by an agreed adult aged 16 years or older.

COLLECTION FROM AFTER SCHOOL CLUB

All children must be collected by an agreed adult, aged 16 years or over who has the correct password.

A FEW IMPORTANT POINTS

If a staff member does not recognise the adult collecting a child, we will challenge them about this in a professional way. The child's parents will be called. This may take longer but is the safest option. We will ask for ID of the person to confirm who they are.

If an adult has a password (Year 1, Reception & Nursery) but a staff member does not recognise them, the child's parents may be called. We ask that parents to tell us in advance if someone else is picking their child up and inform them that they will need the password if the child is is Year 1, Reception, or Nursery. Knowing that there will be a change in advance makes things much easier for us.

We will not assume that an adult knows the child even if they say they do, or the child thinks they know them. If staff do not recognise an adult we will have a 'safety first' mind set. We will call the parent and make sure you get permission from them first. We will ask for the adult's ID.

If a childminder is collecting a child, we need to be informed in advance. Staff will always ask for the password for the child (if they are in Year 1, Reception, or Nursery). Staff will always ask to see their ID badge. If this is a new arrangement, or a change in arrangement, staff will need to have this confirmed with the parents first not just the childminder. Staff will not allow a person to collect on behalf of a childminder. We will call the parents of the child to inform them that someone else is wanting to collect. The decision is then the parent's to make. We will need to see ID in all circumstances.

Staff will professionally challenge anyone who does not look 16 years or older. We will ask for ID to verify their age. If the person collecting is not 16 years or older, we will call the parents and they must come and collect.

Please always inform your child's class teacher if there will be a change in collection arrangements. This makes sure that we are able to make informed and safe decisions. This can be done via Dojo or by calling or emailing the school office.

I am sure that you will agree that the safety of our children leaving school and after school clubs is of upmost importance and we appreciate your support and continued efforts, working closely with school to enable us to do this. If you have any questions or concerns, please see the Assistant Head for your child’s hub, who will be able to assist you further.

Thank you.

Mr Skirton