06.5 Missing child
In the building
As soon as it is noticed that a child is missing, the member of staff informs the designated safeguarding lead who initiates a search within the setting.
If the child is found on-site, the designated safeguarding lead checks on the welfare of the child and investigates the circumstances of the incident.
If the child is not found on site, one member of staff searches the immediate vicinity, if there is no sign of the child, the police are called immediately. The parents/carers are then called and informed.
The designated safeguarding lead contacts their manager/chair person.
Off-site (outing or walk)
As soon as it is noticed that a child is missing, the senior staff present carries out a headcount.
One member of staff searches the immediate vicinity.
If the child is not found, the senior staff calls the police and then contacts the designated safeguarding lead, (if not already on the outing).
The designated safeguarding lead informs the parents/carers.
Members of staff return the children to the setting as soon as possible if it is safe to do so. According to the advice of the police, one senior member of staff should remain at the site where the child went missing and wait for the police to arrive.
The designated safeguarding lead contacts the manager/Chair person.
Recording and reporting
A record is made on Safeguarding incident reporting form. The designated safeguarding lead completes a Confidential safeguarding incident report form to the on the same day that the incident occurred.
The investigation
Ofsted are informed (within 14 days).
The designated officer/line manager carries out a full investigation.
The designated safeguarding lead and the designated officer/line manager speak with the parents/carers together and explain the process of the investigation.
Staff present during the incident write a full report, which is filed in the child’s file. Staff do not discuss any missing child incident with the press.