1. Introduction

At Be. Independent Day Nursery, the safety and well-being of the children in our care is our utmost priority. This Lost or Missing Child Policy outlines the procedures we will follow in the event a child is lost or goes missing while in our care, ensuring a swift and effective response.

2. Aims of the Policy

• To ensure the safety and security of all children at our nursery.
• To outline clear procedures for staff to follow in the event a child goes missing.
• To reassure parents and guardians that their children are safe and that we have protocols in place.

3. Definition

A "lost or missing child" refers to any child who is not accounted for during nursery hours, whether they have wandered away from a designated area or are unaccounted for during a supervised activity.

4. Preventative Measures

To minimise the risk of a child going missing, we will:

Be. Independent Day Nursery – Policies for Website, updated October 2024

• Conduct regular headcounts of children throughout the day, as well as during transitions, outdoor play, and excursions.
• Ensure that staff are aware of children’s whereabouts at all times.
• Maintain secure premises, including locked gates and controlled entry points.
• Provide adequate staff supervision ratios as per EYFS requirements.
• All staff are to check the number of children on site, including the amount of children in each age range, upon beginning their shift each day. As well as management checking to ensure that all staff are aware of classroom numbers throughout each day.

5. Procedures for Responding to a Missing Child

In the event that a child is discovered to be missing, staff will follow these procedures:

5.1 Immediate Action

1. Raise the Alarm: Staff will immediately notify the designated Lead Safeguarding Officer (DSL) and all other staff members present.

2. Search the Premises: Staff will conduct a thorough search of the immediate area, including all rooms, outdoor spaces, and any nearby facilities.

3. Count Remaining Children: Staff will conduct a headcount of all remaining children to ensure that everyone else is accounted for.

5.2 If the Child is Not Found

1. Inform Parents/Guardians: The DSL will inform the parents or guardians of the situation as soon as possible.

2. Contact Authorities: If the child is not located quickly, the nursery will contact the police and report the child as missing.

3. Document the Incident: A record of the incident will be made, including times, actions taken, and any relevant details.

6. Communication with Parents

• Parents will be informed of the situation as it develops, and they will be kept updated on actions taken and the response from authorities.
• After the incident, a meeting will be arranged with the parents to discuss what occurred and any concerns they may have.

7. Post-Incident Review

• Following an incident involving a missing child, a full review will be conducted to identify any shortcomings in procedures or practices.
• The nursery will consider the need for staff training or adjustments to protocols to prevent a recurrence.

8. Staff Training

Be. Independent Day Nursery – Policies for Website, updated October 2024

• All staff will receive training on this policy during their induction and will participate in regular refresher training.
• Staff will be familiar with the procedures for preventing and responding to a missing child incident.

9. Policy Review

This Lost or Missing Child Policy will be reviewed annually or as necessary to ensure it remains effective and compliant with current legislation and best practices.