Elopement is defined as the student leaving the classroom or school. Initially it is important to find out why a student is eloping. Are they stressed, scared, is the environment too loud, too hot, are they anxious about their ability to complete the work, is it a combination of factors. You can find out the function of the behaviour by completing an ABC, you can find options for this here.
While finding out the why there are some strategies to use. Talk to the student and let them know you understand sometimes they need a break and that is ok however they need to take the break in a safe place as it is your job to keep them safe and their job to be safe. Agree with them on some approved safe locations where they can take a break but still be supervised eg in a hallway, in a quiet area of the classroom, just outside the classroom.
Knowing why the student is eloping will help in your conversation with the student as if you name the reason for them it will help them feel understood and seen by you. Eg I understand sometimes the classroom gets too noisy/busy OR you feel the work is too hard OR you feel scared and you need to leave. That's ok however I need to keep you safe so here are the places you can leave to.
Once you find out the function of the elopement you may find startegies to address that on this site eg:
change
work refusal
sensory overload
It is also important to remember that elopement can be an instinctual flight response and not within the students control when it is happening. This being the case it is important the student does not feel that they will be in trouble when they return as this will compound their desire to stay away. When the student elopes and then returns to class greet them with a positive greeting eg welcome back, it is lovely to see you. Then when they are calm discuss with them how they could have taken their break safely next time.