Missing Child Procedure

Effective date: 25 September 2026
Review date: September 2027

1. If a student cannot be located

If a student is found to be missing or cannot be located when expected:

  1. Tell the tutor/DSL immediately.
  2. Check the immediate area, including toilets, changing areas and other parts of the venue.
  3. Check whether the student has been collected, left with an authorised adult, or has been seen leaving the premises.
  4. Check the register and contact details for the student.
  5. The DSL should take control of the response and ensure other students remain supervised.
  6. If the student cannot be located promptly, contact the parent/carer and establish whether they know where the student is.
  7. If there is reason to believe the student may be at risk, has left the premises unexpectedly, or cannot be located after reasonable immediate checks, contact the police on 999 where there is an immediate risk, or 101 where appropriate.
  8. Continue to cooperate with the parent/carer, police and other relevant authorities.

2. Important considerations

The response should take account of:

  • The student’s age and individual circumstances.
  • Any known vulnerabilities or additional needs.
  • Whether the student may have left with another person.
  • The location and potential hazards around the venue.
  • Any information provided by other students or witnesses.

Staff must not put themselves or other students at significant risk while searching for a missing child.

3. Recording

The incident must be recorded as soon as practicable, including:

  • Date and time.
  • Student’s name.
  • When and where the student was last seen.
  • Actions taken.
  • People contacted.
  • Outcome of the incident.

The DSL should review the incident and consider whether any further safeguarding action is required.

4. Review

This procedure will be reviewed annually and following any significant incident or change to safeguarding requirements.

Next review: September 2027