A school has launched a crackdown on parents late to collect their children by threatening to hit them in the pocket.

St Peter’s Church of England Primary in The Durlocks, Folkestone, has warned mums and dads they could face a £6 charge if they fail to pick up pupils on time.

It follows increasing instances of parents leaving their children in the lurch without informing staff or apologising.

Under the rules, youngsters left behind will be placed in after-school clubs and their guardians will be charged for the privilege.

But following a warning shot to parents in November, shortly before the levy was imposed, no individuals have yet been ordered to stump up the cash, Kent County Council says.

The school newsletter said: “Staff have work to complete once children have been dismissed and arriving late to collect your child prevents staff from being able to get on with their work.

“We have an increasing number of children who are being collected late at the end of the day, without the office being informed or any apology to staff.

“From Term 2, children who are collected late from school on more than one occasion will be put into after-school club and a fee of £6 will apply.

“We understand that occasionally lateness can’t be avoided and in these cases, it is important you call the school office, so we know you are running late.”

Folkestone Harbour ward councillor Nicola Keen (Lab), who represents the area where the school is based, voiced support for the scheme.

“I don't think this is unreasonable as children can be very anxious if their parents are late to pick them up,” she explained.

“It does not take long for parents to let the school know if they are going to be late. I just encourage all parents to communicate clearly with them.

“I would be very surprised if the school would actually have to enforce this.

“The pastoral care within this school is absolutely amazing.”

Kent County Council says since the new rule has been put in place, “no parent has been asked to make the payment”.

“Parents were informed at the start of November 2023 that pupils who are collected late from school on more than one occasion, will be put into after-school club and a fee of £6 may be applied,” a spokesman said.

“The school appreciates that there may be occasions where late collection is unavoidable and simply asks that parents keep the school informed.

“The school works closely with parents and since this announcement was made no parent has been asked to make such a payment.”

A primary school in Gravesend came under the spotlight shortly before the Covid pandemic hit in 2020 after introducing measures to penalise parents who were late to collect pupils.

Holy Trinity told parents and carers they would be fined £1 every five minutes per child if they failed to arrive at the school gates on time.

If they had not arrived by 4pm - half an hour after the 3.30pm finish time - social services would be contacted.