Lost / Missing Child Procedures

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the statutory framework in England. The EYFS states, Providers must make the following information available to parents and/or carers: the procedure to be followed in the event of a child going missing at, or away from, the setting.

In the event of a child going missing at or away from the setting Little Explorers will:

● Ensure other children are safe while the local area is searched. ● Make every effort to contact the Police (using 999) immediately the situation becomes worrying. ● Make every effort to contact the child’s parents at the first available time – emergency contact numbers are carried on outings. Note if parents are not available, we will make every effort to contact the child’s emergency contacts. When the situation has resolved, we will write an incident report for parents to sign and make Ofsted and my insurance company aware of the situation.

Prevention measures:

Children will be within our sight and / or hearing at all times to comply with the EYFS and:

• Early years children may be asked to wear identifying clothing or bracelets on outings.
• Children are not left unattended and do not ‘play out’ unsupervised on or off the premises.
• Doors / gates are locked to ensure children cannot leave unsupervised.
• Children are not allowed to leave with unauthorised people.
• We use age-appropriate restraints – for example, reins, car seats, buggies etc) to keep children safe.
• On outings, venues are checked for safety and risk assessed before children go to play.
• Little Explorers always work within statutory ratios.
• Children are given safety advice and information through planned activities and spontaneous situations as they arise.

Note: also see Attendance Policy.
If you have any questions about this policy or would like to make any comments, please ask.