Missing Child Policy including Early Years
Statement of intent
In the event a child is missing while in the care of the EYFS or Summer Camp*, the provision will put
into practice procedures. These ensure that a systematic approach to find the child is taken and
consideration is given to the levels of risk to the child.
Aim
In the event that a child is missing, we will ensure a search is made for the child as soon as possible,
parents and authorities are notified at the appropriate stage, and a high level of care is maintained to
other children while procedures are followed.
Procedures
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We will check the register to confirm the child came to the provision. A quick search of all
rooms, cupboards and all areas will take place.
This will be instigated by the class leader who will send a member of staff to make an initial
search for the child and to inform the Head of Department. The search will include all areas
of the School and areas immediately surrounding the site before reporting back to the class
leader and Head of Department . This will be done as quickly as possible.
While the initial search is made, the Head of Department will make enquiries of all adults in
the School to establish the last sighting and time, clothes that the child was wearing, and the
mental state of the child (happy, upset etc.).
The Head of Department will then contact the School Office who will report the situation to
the Head Teacher/deputy and police and follow their advice.
The Head Teacher will telephone the parent or carer, report the situation and ask the parent to
come to the provision. Another search will be made of the area, supported by the Head
Teacher, which will continue until instructed otherwise.
When the parent arrives at the provision, if the child is still missing, we will suggest that
someone is present in the child’s home in case the child has managed to make their way
home.
Telephone lines should remain as free as possible so that messages are not delayed.
The provision activities for the remaining children will continue as normal and staff not
involved in the search will give the children proper attention.
At the appropriate time other parents will be informed.
The Head Teacher will be responsible for completing a full report.
Missing child procedures off premises
In the event of a member of staff fearing that a child has gone missing while off school premises:
1. For any off-site visit (which for EYFS are rare), there will be a teacher designated to be the Visit
Leader.
2. The Visit Leader must ensure the safety of remaining pupils. At least two adults must stay with
them.
3. One or more adults should immediately start searching for the child.
4. The Visit Leader should contact school to alert them.
5. If the child is not found within 5 minutes, the Group Leader must contact police by telephoning
999.
6. The Visit Leader should alert school that the police have been contacted and school will make
arrangements to notify parents, after which the procedures described above will be followed.
*For the avoidance of doubt, where the term ‘class leader’ or ‘Head teacher’ are referenced, during
the Summer Camp period, the operational terms would be ‘site leader’ and ‘Head teacher/Deputy’.
CDA/SR July 2016