Practical guidance on keeping children safe during school drop-off and pickup, including authorised collection and emergency plans.
School pickup and drop-off are routine moments that benefit from clear safety plans. Knowing who is authorised to collect your child, having backup arrangements, and ensuring your child knows what to do if plans change can prevent confusion and risk.
Most incidents arise from miscommunication: a child expecting one person and another arriving, or a child being unsure what to do when no one appears at the expected time. Clear, rehearsed plans significantly reduce these risks.
1. Maintain an up-to-date authorised collection list
Ensure the school has a current list of people authorised to collect your child. Update it whenever circumstances change and include photo identification if the school allows it.
2. Teach your child the plan and the backup plan
Make sure your child knows who will collect them each day and what to do if that person does not arrive — such as going back into the school office and waiting.
3. Use a family password
Agree on a secret word that any authorised person will know. Teach your child that if someone they do not expect arrives, they should ask for the password before leaving with them.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-19