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Back-to-work family handover planner

CAN parentFree family resource

Free CAN parent resource

Download PDF (2 pages, 59 KB)

No sign-up needed. Print the page or save the A4 PDF. Your notes stay on your own copy.

Read the guidance alongside this sheet

Free resource. Print this page or copy the prompts into your own notebook or document. The spaces below are for your own notes, not an online form.

Use one realistic workday rather than trying to plan the whole month. Include every adult who will provide care. If you parent alone, use the support column prompts to identify a specific gap to discuss with someone you trust.

Our ordinary day

  • Before leaving: what must happen, and who owns it? ____________________
  • Drop-off or first care handover: person and time ____________________
  • Collection or next care handover: person and time ____________________
  • Evening essentials: task and owner ____________________

Owning a task includes checking, preparing and following it through. Example: “Pack the bag” also means noticing that spare clothes need replacing.

Information everyone needs

  • Childcare contact and collection arrangements: ____________________
  • Where the current care information is kept: ____________________
  • Supplies to check the night before: ____________________
  • One thing the working parent needs prepared for themselves: ____________________

If the plan changes

  • Late journey: who contacts the carer? ____________________
  • Childcare unavailable: first person to call ____________________
  • Backup arrangement we have actually agreed: ____________________
  • Work or childcare policy we still need to check: ____________________

This worksheet does not establish leave rights or permission to collect a child. Confirm those arrangements with the employer and childcare provider.

Review after the first few days

  • The handover that went well: ____________________
  • The part that felt rushed: ____________________
  • One change for next week: ____________________
  • Who will make that change, and by when? ____________________

Keep personal contacts and work details in your own private copy. A plan that needs adjusting is giving you useful information.

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For ideas to use alongside this resource, read Returning to work after a baby: planning the everyday handovers.