Safe arrivals and pickups: a routine every school needs

Why routines matter

Kenya’s Ministry of Education has published a Safety Standards Manual for Schools since 2008, covering child protection and the safety of learners on and around school grounds. Reports have repeatedly noted that the hardest part is applying such standards every day. Arrival and pickup are where good intentions meet a busy gate.

A simple routine

Adapt these steps to your school’s size and layout.

• Record each learner’s arrival in the morning, so absences are noticed early.
• Keep an up-to-date list of adults authorised to collect each learner.
• Ask for a code or confirmation when someone new comes to collect a child.
• Agree what happens if nobody comes: who stays, who calls and when.
• Brief new and relief staff on the routine before their first day.

Involve parents

Parents are your best partners: ask them to keep authorised contacts updated and to tell the school in advance about changes, such as a relative collecting their child.