Thanks for everyones help on here, new passport was delivered on Saturday which means we can fly out on Wednesday. We had pretty much given up hope. Overall its been a nightmare and so stressful. Here are our timelines for child renewal if helpful:
25th Feb – submitted via post office check n send
3rd March – application received
7th March – waiting for examination
24th March – application approved/gone to print
26th March – passport received
Calling the helpline can get really different results, so keep trying.
I would also suggest that if anyone gets a TNT tracking confirmation you can actually organise with them to collect it from their depot.
Good luck and thanks