Missing child

Every attempt is made to ensure the security of children is maintained at all times. In the unlikely event of a child going missing, the procedure in this policy should be followed. We aim to make staff, parents and children aware of the safety structures in place and ask that everyone adheres to these rules to keep all our children safe.

It is imperative that all external gates and doors are kept locked at all times and that they are only opened by nominated staff.

 

Procedure for a missing child in setting

  • Raise the alarm

  • Check that the child was actually in (sign in sheet, ask other staff members)

  • Establish where they were last seen, begin the search -

-          outdoor shelter

-          outdoor sheds

-          polytunnel

-          outdoor toilet shed

-          dens

-          tunnel

-          allotment

-          outdoor area especially behind the bank

-          outside area immediately surrounding the building

-          main hall

-          entrance hall

-          Catton Room

-          3 indoor toilets

-          kitchen

-          all cupboards

  • Check doors and gates for breach

  • Count all children and check the register

  • Record when and where the child was last seen

  • Contact parent and police

  • Continue searching

  • Staff should remain calm throughout so as not to alarm the other children

Procedure for a missing child out of setting

On Adventure Fridays or when out of the setting perimeter there is a greater ratio of staff to children.

  • As soon as it is noticed that a child is missing, staff carry out a headcount to ensure that no other child has gone astray

  • One staff member searches the immediate vicinity while calling the child’s name, but does not search beyond that 

  • Any managers not present are called to assist and be the point of contact for the police as well as to support staff

  • The police are contacted, and the child reported as missing

  • The manager or deputy contacts the child’s parents asking them to come to the current venue

  • Staff take the remaining children back to preschool – if this isn’t possible then all parents are called to pick up their children

 

Procedure after the event

The responsible adult for the area from which the child has gone missing writes an incident report detailing:

  • The date and time of the incident

  • Which staff/children were present

  • When (recording the time) and where the child was last seen

  • If the incident warrants a police investigation, all staff cooperate fully. In this case, the police will handle all aspects of the investigation including interviewing staff. Children’s Social Care may be involved if it seems likely that there is a Child Protection issue to address

  • The incident is reported under RIDDOR arrangements (on-line)

  • The local authority Health and Safety Officer may want to investigate and will decide if there is a case for prosecution

  • In the event of an outside agency having to be called e.g. Police, Ofsted must be informed

  • The Insurance provider is informed

  • The incident must be reviewed within setting to ensure, where possible, that it cannot occur again, this may mean changes to setting or routine are required

  • The management must report back to the parents

 

Reporting

OFSTED should be notified within 14 days via the online form:

OFSTED reporting form

Please click the link to see which incidents need reporting.

Feb 24