Missing child procedure

Missing Child Policy

Your child’s care and safety is paramount. I will always make sure that there are plans and risk assessments in place to make sure that your child remains with me and that they are always safe.

Although, on very rare occasions children may become lost in busy places. So that I am a responsible childminder, I have written a procedure that will be followed in the unlikely event of your child becoming lost.

As soon as I notice your child is missing I will follow the following steps;

· I will immediately tell everyone around me that I have lost a child and will ask for everyone to help me look for them.

· If it is an area where there are security guards around, I will enlist the help of them so they can seal off the exits and look at the CCTV to help me find the child quickly.

· I will always make sure that I know exactly that the child is wearing and give a detailed description to everyone involved in the search.

· I will keep the other children in my care reassured and make sure they stay by my side. I will keep reassuring them as they may become distressed.

· I will then call the police and give them a detailed description of the missing child.

· I will call the parents to inform them of what is happening.

· I will inform Ofsted.

I always make sure that I avoid situations like this happening by ensuring all the children in my care follow these measures;

· Ensure the children who can walk, hold my hand or the pushchair whilst we are out always.

· Avoid going to places that are over crowed – this will aid children to stay close and are less likely to get swept up in crowds.

· I will provide the children on my outings with a wristband with my mobile number so that if they were to go missing I could be contacted.

All children in my care are taught about the dangers of wandering off and of talking to strangers and I make sure that they all stay close to me whilst out.