Some advice please cm's on children walking to school alone (thanks)

[MUM2BLESS]

Hiya

I think we had something simular a while ago.

This is the situation. My daughter (10) is allowed to go to her friends house in the morining. Its on the route to school. Her friends house is like a meeting point for another friend and her younger brother. She is very responsible and I know my own child.

What is your policy for minded children whos parents want them to walk a head to school from your house? Do I need to get the parent to sign something or write a letter stating they are okay with this (cover myslef). I do not want to mother cuddle him, but at the same time he's in my care. If he walks ahead I am not always there to see what is taking place. He is also 10.

Your comments appreciated, thank you!

there is no policy all children in your care must in in sight of you sorry

if the child stepped out into a on coming car OFSTED would come down on you like a ton of brinks signature or not

I'm not sure what the rules are for the over 8s but I'll bet my last penny that dmo is right

It's not molly coddling to keep a minded child in sight/earshot at all times, you MUST protect not only the child but yourself

Is this a hypothetical question? If you are asked to mind a child in the morning and then the parents of the minded child are perfectly happy for the child to walk to school on his/her own then I would include in the contract that the child can self sign out at 8.30am and that you are no longer responsible for him/her but I would only do this with high school children.
What I do with my own children is up to me, mine often walk to and from school alone but where we live it is safe, no crossing roads and 5 minutes tops.
You have to decide if you are happy with it and if its really worth the money,worry and any hassle if the child decides to bunk off who would get the blame. Personally I wouldn't do it, its not worth the hassle.

Our council has a new initiative www.portsmouth.gov.uk/media/11.02.02_GP_Flexicare_DL_leaflet.pdf it may be worth a read and any questions I can take back and ask for you e.g. insurance etc

You need an independent departure/arrival policy saying what happens if they dont get to school or dont arrive home. I know a childminder who had children walk to/from juniors on their own and ofsted were fine with it. They would effectively not be in your care and the parents need to sign to agree to this. Upto you if you want the worry of it.

I did this for an 11 nearly 12 year old boy. Mum and dad wanted him to start being independent. I checked with OFSTED and MM (my insurers) and although they said I had to show I had considered all the safety aspects, gained full and thorough permission from the parents and that my contract with him finished when he left me in the morning, then I could do it, BUT I was made aware I was not covered in any way and it could leave me open, but if anything happened I would have to be shown to be negligent, if someone wanted to sue me. I think it depends upon the child and you and the parents working together.

I spoke to Ofsted. I need to get this in writing from the parents. They need to know that once the child leaves my home I am no longer responsible for them.

Spoke to Morton Michel, who siad something like I need to make it clear that once they leave my home alone they are not covered by my insurance.

I will be speaking the parent today about this.

Thanks everyone!!

Mum2bless - how did it go with the parents?

Hi ChipingInNeedsSleep informed parent. She does not want her son to walk alone to school. I think its the bit that states I wil not longer be responsible for him.

I am glad I checked as I did not know there was so much to consider, legally.

Oh well, all sorted then!! Much better for you I feel.

Thanks for asking

Has anyyone included this as a policy? or could this be included in one of the policies?