In order to ensure that our children are safe at all times, we have introduced a new Drop off and Collection Policy.

This policy relates to situations where parents and carers would like their child to travel to and/or from school independently. Also for parents and carers who wish to provide drop off and/or collection by an older sibling or family member.

Our school prefers that all children be dropped off and collected every day by a responsible adult.

Introduction of the policy

If you would like your child travel to/from school independently, then you should first read our Drop Off and Collection Policy and then complete the consent form available on MCAS. 

In some circumstances the school might not agree to your child travelling independently, and identify alternative options for your child to travel to/from school.

Pupils travelling to or from school independently

The most important factor to consider about suitability of a child travelling to/from school alone is any risk to the child. When considering whether it is suitable for a particular child to travel to/from school independently, we take into account, among other factors, the following:

• The maturity of the child
• The length and nature of the journey home
• The behaviour of the child

Please note, we will not allow any children in Year 2 or below to travel to/from school alone, under any circumstances.

Distance from School

All children travelling home alone must be capable of arriving home within 30 minutes of the end of the school day. Journeys over 30 minutes are not considered appropriate for children to travel alone.

Drop off/collection by an older sibling/family member

If parents wish older siblings to drop off / collect younger children they must meet with the school to discuss the situation and if this is agreed the permission slip needs to be completed to confirm the procedure, as above. If the school has any concern that older siblings are not competent to take younger siblings to and from school or there are concerns about any child’s safety or welfare due to these arrangements, this will be raised with the parent (ideally in advance of collection) and if alternative arrangements are not made, a safeguarding referral may be made to Children’s Services where necessary.

 School policy for children to be collected by an older sibling:

• Children in the Early Years (Nursery and Reception) and KS1 (Y1 and Y2) must not be collected by anyone under the age of 18.
• Children in Y3 to Y6 must not be collected by anyone below the age of 14.