Handover Policy

Research has shown that more accidents/incidents occur when both the Childcarer and parents are present. This is for a variety of reasons:

• The child may feel that with both adults talking they are being ignored, therefore they misbehave to gain attention.
• The child senses that neither adult feels comfortable taking responsibility and tests boundaries further than they would normally.
• No one is supervising the child sufficiently and accidents occur.

I feel it is therefore best that we discuss this situation before the matter arises and an accident occurs.

It is important that the parent and childcarer understand who is responsible for them and when this responsibility changes to the other adult.

Beginning of session

The child carer is to take responsibility for all children as they enter the home. Parents are asked to work with the childcarer and help enforce requests made. It is also requested for parents not to linger for long as this may distract the children.

End of session

The parent is to take responsibility of their child as they arrive. After a short handover if required I will leave promptly. I am always on the the other end of the phone if you need to discuss anything.

Late arrival.

• It is important that you arrive at the contracted time to collect your child. Even very young children learn our routine and know when their parents are due. They can become distressed if you are late. We all run into problems that can affect our timekeeping, therefore I say the same to everyone. Up to ten minutes every now and again is understandable but persistent lateness will incur a Late Collection Fee of £10 each time.
• If you are delayed, for whatever reason please contact me and let me know when you expect to arrive. If I have somewhere to be (i.e. drop offs) I will take your child with me but I will advise you of this. I will usually be able to accommodate the additional time and care, but this will be subject to the additional hourly rate. I will reassure your child that you are on the way and if necessary, organise additional activities and a meal if necessary.
• If I have not heard from you and you are over 30 minutes late, I will try and make contact with you. I will also try and contact your Emergency Contact (the one provided on your Contract.) If I am unable to make contact with anyone within 1 hour of arranged handover, I will have no choice but to contact Social Services and follow their advice. It is very important that if you are running late that you inform me of your expected arrival time ASAP.

If you have any concerns over this issue please do discuss them with me.

Treasure the Moments Childcare

Date Created: 5th January 2020
Updated: 19th May 2022