Why choose us?AboutPricing
LeadersSafeguardingCPDGovernorHubKeyGPT

Managing late collection of pupils

Get expert advice on what to do if parents don't collect their children from school on time or fail to collect them. See examples of school policies on late or non-collection.

Last reviewed on 17 February 2025
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 8441
Contents
  1. Establish a clear procedure for late collection
  2. How to deal with parents/carers who are persistently late in collecting their child
  3. Charging parents for late collection
  4. Examples of school policies on late and non-collection

Establish a clear procedure for late collection

Your school should have a clear protocol for what to do if parents/carers are late to collect their children, or fail to collect them at all.

Make sure these procedures align with your safeguarding procedures and any guidance issued by your local authority (LA).

What to include in your policy

See examples of school policies on late and non-collection at the bottom of this article. The following are suggestions only – adapt them to your setting, including your safeguarding procedures.

Expectations for parents/carers

The process for informing the school of any last-minute changes to collection arrangements, including the number or email to use, and the times when calls/emails will be answered The importance of notifying the school as soon as possible if collection arrangements change That parents/carers should provide alternative contact details for an authorised adult (for example, a grandparent or neighbour) who is permitted to