MISSING CHILD POLICY

The safety of the children in my care is my main priority. I will take all possible precautions to prevent a child going missing while in my care.

When we are out I will supervise children closely. Babies are generally in a pushchair, young toddlers are on safety reigns, and older children are taught to hold onto the pushchair or to walk closely beside me and not run off.

I will use risk assessments to make me aware of any potential dangers. I will keep within my ratios as set out in the welfare requirements and on my registration certificate and I will supervise closely.

When playing out I will ensure all gates are closed and fastened and I will communicate regularly with parents and visitors to the dangers of leaving gates open when entering or leaving. Again I will supervise closely.

I will speak to older children about safety when out and about and about what to do if they can’t see me for e.g. . Stand still don’t wander around and never leave the area with anyone else.

IF A CHILD GOES MISSING

If a child goes missing I would look around the immediate area and call out their name.

I would keep calm and reassure any other children and make sure that the other children were well supervised.

I will raise the alarm and ask other adults around to help giving a description of the child.

If there are any security personnel or staff, for e.g. if we were in a play centre, I would alert them.

If after doing the above the child is not found within a reasonable time (approx 10 mins ) I would contact the police. I would then inform the parents.

Once the child is found I would make a written report and investigate why it happened. I will inform OFSTED of the incident/investigation. A copy of this full investigation and report will be given to the parents of the child concerned and I would keep a copy in my file. 

Parents and myself and any witnesses would be asked to sign all copies. 

OLDER CHILDREN

Some older children may walk to my house straight from school. A permission sheet, signed by a parent would need to be completed to do this. On the permission form there is a procedure discussed with parents of what to do if the child does not arrive. I would follow this procedure and then record the incident as above.