Missing Child Policy
In the case of a missing child, we would make every action possible to ensure the quick and safe
return of that child to school.
Objectives
• To locate any missing child quickly.
• To ensure that all children are kept safely on the school premises during school hours
unless they have the Head Teacher’s authority to leave.
• To ensure that children who leave school during the school day only do so with the Head
Teacher’s permission and that they are accompanied by an authorised adult.
• To ensure that the building, grounds and play areas are safe during school hours.
• To ensure that teachers and staff keep children under proper supervision at all times.
• To ensure that if a child goes missing during the school day, they are located quickly and
returned to school safely.
Strategies
• If a child cannot be found by their teacher, the Head Teacher must be notified
immediately and told where the child was last seen. Prompt action will be taken by all
concerned.
• The remaining children must be kept safe in the care of staff. Other available staff will
conduct a thorough search of the child’s classroom, toilets, outdoor area, storage areas,
the school building and school grounds.
• If the child cannot be found within a short period of time, the police will be called by
the Head Teacher or staff member. The child’s parents will also be notified.
• Members of staff, who are not supervising children, will be sent to search the area in
the immediate vicinity of the school.
School Trips
• If a child goes missing on a school outing/trip, the teacher in charge must ensure that
the remaining children are cared for by the other staff and adults. An urgent but
thorough search will be made of the immediate vicinity and if the child is not found
quickly the police will be contacted and the Head Teacher notified.
• Parents will be notified as soon as possible.
• If a member of staff finds the child; the police, Head Teacher and parents will be
notified as soon as possible.
• The Chair of Governors will be contacted.
• The Head Teacher will investigate how the incident occurred and take the appropriate
action to ensure that similar events do not happen again.
Outcomes
• The welfare and safety of all our children is our main priority. In the case of a missing
child, swift and effective actions will be put into place to locate any missing child.
Parents and the authorities will be contacted at every point.
Signed …………………………………………………………………………………………… Governing Body Chairperson
Signed …………………………………………………………………………………………… Headteacher
Date of Last Review: