At Hopscotch holiday club, we do not generally permit parents and carers to enter the premises at drop-off and collection times. Our experience shows that children settle into their day more smoothly when they arrive independently — it builds confidence and helps establish a positive, focused start.
Minimising adult traffic in and out of the setting also helps reduce disruptions during collection times. When children aren’t seeing other parents coming in early, they stay engaged and concentrated right up until the end of the day. Organising drop-off and collection times like this also helps us reduce any risk of security breaches at these busy times.
Parents/carers are requested to pass the care of their child to a specific member of staff who will ensure their safety. The staff member receiving the child will immediately record their arrival in the Magic Booking app. The staff member will also record any specific information provided by the parents or carers, including the child’s interests, experiences and observations from home.
If the parent/carer requests the child is given medicine during the day the staff member must ensure that the medication procedure is followed.
The child’s group leader or other nominated staff member must plan the departure of the child. This should include opportunities to discuss the child’s day with the parent/carer in addition to what may already be shared via electronic systems, e.g. meals, activities, interests, progress and friendships. The parent/carer should be told about any accidents or incidents, and the appropriate records must be signed by the parent/carer before departure. Where applicable, all medicines should be recovered from the medicine box/fridge after the parent/carer has arrived and handed to him/her personally. On departure, the staff member releasing the child must mark the child register immediately to show that the child has left the premises.