where do we stand on minded children walking alone from school?

[bec5696]

Just wondering how it works letting a minded children walk home from school alone? The child is 10 and parents are ok with it. I have always collected the child but now wants independance walking from school.
When the child is let out the class room they are usually my responceibility, do I still let this go ahead?

If the parent is happy with it, then it sounds ok. Especially as you offered to carry on collecting the child.

How far is the school, and any roads to cross etc???

Get it in writing from the parent
Draw up a list of rules
Discuss with the school

I guess (more paperwork)

Great idea about the paperwork. I would definately do that to cover yourself.

My ds has walked from school to childminders (very near) since he was 6.
I don't see the problem tbh, but agree that it would be a good idea to get it in writing from the parents, if only to 'cover' you.

It is around a 20minute walk and although its mainly quiet there is actually 2 main roads to cross.

I always get written permission from the parents and draw up policies/plans (with parental input) for what would happen if for instance child was late, got into trouble etc.

i wouldnt do it
i had a parent that said their child could play on the front (he lives near and all his friends played outside my house) he was 10, so got it in writing and added i was in the house etc.
Oftead came and saw the letter and asked if i could see/hear him at all times which i answered truthfully no as sometimes i went out the back with the younger children. even though the parent had writtern and signed it was agaisted the saftey aspect and i was maked down.
he is now not allowed to play out while he is in my care

not a cm but as a nanny i wouldnt allow a 10yr old to walk home by self

they are under your care if something happens ....................

tbh not sure if I were a mum i would let my own 10yr walk home 20mins and cross 2 main roads

As a CM, you have to respect the parents decisions even if you may not agree with it.

I would check with Ofsted and get their clarification on it. Just to make sure that you are not breaking any rules.

If I was the parent, I would much rather the CM picked up, but at the end of day it's each to their own.

no way would i let the 10 yr old walk a 20 minute walk home alone!.i have a 10yr old mindee and as sensible as she is, i wouldnt do it 'incase' anthing happend!

As dmo said OFSted would not agree, so all i can suggest if they INSIST is set up an ammendment to contract stating this child no longer gets collected from school and parents have told you he/she is now walking to your house alone.
Say on it that you will keep a record of the time he/she arrives at your house and this and only this time he will be YOUR responsability..it might mean losing 1/2 hour pay, but i wouldnt want that hanging round my neck!

I would be fine with this. surely he's not in your care until he actually arrives from school? and if the parents have said it's ok how could you be blamed if something happened?

Ofsted say minded children should be within sight or sound at all times.

However you cannot dictate to a parent how their child will be transported to you or who will handover their child to you. If the parent decides their child can walk to you alone then as long as you have a written agreement saying that the parents accept you are not responsible for the child until they arrive at your property, you should be ok.

Your insurance will not cover you while the child is not actually with you, you see. So you have to agree that the child is not in your care until they arrive at your home.

I have had such agreements where the child is coming from an afterschool club I couldn't get to in time. But if they come out of the same school at the time I'm collecting everyone else they would have to walk with me. (Or at a reasonable distance ahead, they don't have to hold my hand lol)

how about you get paid from childs ETA at your house? that way the school/parent is responsible [i think] during the walk home.
i wouldn't and indeed didn't have a problem with my dd walking home alone at that age and the school encouraged independence - it's not good to wrap them up in cotton-wool.

f@#k ofsted

I thought Ofsted were only intersted in under 8's?

Could you suggest meeting child half-way to start with then gradually build up to the whole way?

My ds' school is a 20min walk. About 3/4 of the walk is along a very busy road. I feel nervous when ds walks along it without holding my hand!!!!! He is only 5 though but I would hope that by the time he is 10 that he'll occasionally walk to/from school without me.

If in doubt, phone Ofsted at least 5 times and see which answer is given the most as to whether THEY allow it.