Drop Off and Pick Up
Arriving at and leaving Whitegrove
We want the start and end of every school day to feel safe, calm and welcoming for children and families. To help us manage busy drop-off and collection times safely, we ask everyone to follow the arrangements below.
Morning Drop-Off
The school gates are open between 8:50 and 9:00
Families can enter the front area (garden and paths around the car park) of the school site via either of the 2 pedestrian gates at:
- the North Gate (nearest Tesco) or
- the South Gate (nearest the roundabout on Harvest Ride).
EYFS families are encouraged to use the North Gate, as this is closest to the EYFS classrooms and entrance.
When using the North Gate
Please wait until a member of staff opens the site before entering. Parents and carers are welcome to accompany younger children up to the bike racks but we also encourage children to become increasingly independent as they grow in confidence and continue on their way.
Once children have passed the supervised point at the gate, they will be supported by school staff as they make their way to class.
Older children may be ready to enter the school grounds independently, helping them build confidence and independence as part of their morning routine.
When using the South Gate
Families are welcome to accompany children towards the green gate alongside the building, where members of staff will be ready to greet them.
Where possible, we encourage children to carry their own belongings into school. This helps to develop independence and ensures they bring only what they need for the day.
Afternoon Collection
Enter the school site through the North Gate (open between 15.25 and approx 15.35)
Families then make their way to the playground area outside their child’s classroom and wait until the teacher dismisses them safely at 15:30.
All families then follow our one-way system and leave the school site via the South Gate.
Both gates close at approximately 15:35. Any child who has not been collected by then will be brought by a member of staff to the South Gate so, if the North Gate is closed when you arrive, please make your way to the South Gate to meet your child.
Children who remain uncollected after approximately 15:40 will be brought to the school office so that we can contact their parent or carer. They may be taken to our Stay After School Club (SAS) and the relevant childcare charge may apply.
Our One-Way System at Afternoon Collection Time
To keep everyone moving safely and reduce congestion at this busy collection time, we operate a one-way system across the school site.
Families should:
- Enter via the North Gate
- Exit via the South Gate.
We ask families not to exit through the entrance gate or enter through the exit gate. This arrangement is in place for safeguarding and to help us manage the movement of children and adults safely.
Where a child or family member has a disability or significant mobility need, please speak to the school so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Alternative Collection Arrangements
If your child is going home with another family member, friend or nominated adult, please make sure the school is aware of this arrangement in advance.
Mobile Phones on Site
To support safeguarding and respect the privacy of our children and families, Whitegrove is a mobile-phone-free site during drop-off and collection.
If you arrive at the school gate while using a phone, we ask that you finish your call before entering the site and keep your phone put away while on the school grounds.
We recognise that some older pupils may bring a phone to school in line with school arrangements.
Bikes and Scooters
Children are very welcome to travel to school by bike or scooter.
Bikes and scooters can be left in our designated bike and scooter storage areas at the owner’s risk. Children cycling or scooting to school should wear an appropriate helmet.
For everyone’s safety, bikes and scooters should be walked while on the school site and should follow the same one-way system as pedestrians.
Parking Around School
We know that drop-off and collection times can be busy and we really appreciate families parking safely and considerately.
Please take particular care on the residential roads around Somerset Grove, and always keep the zig-zag lines, double yellow lines, driveways and access points clear.
Where possible, we encourage families to walk, cycle or scoot to school. If you do need to drive, parking a short distance away and walking the final part of the journey can help reduce congestion around the school gates and gives children a positive, active start to their day.