Missing/Lost Student Policy

At Sunny View School we aim to provide a safe and secure environment for all of students. In the unlikely event of a student being lost the following procedure should be followed.

Lost from the school

• A member of staff noticing a student missing from the group should search carefully all the areas used by that group since the student was last seen to eliminate misunderstanding.

• Staff should ring the office for a senior member of staff to organise a search of the rest of the building and outside area.

• If the student is not found, the Headteacher and the student’s parents should be alerted.

• Information can be sought from other students in the group, according to age.

• A member of staff may be detailed to search outside the building if there is any information to suggest the student’s possible whereabouts or direction of travel.

• Headteacher, parents and senior staff will liaise re: calling friends, relatives and/or police.

• If the student is not found after 15 minutes the police will be called.

Lost on an outing

Trips which are to places out of the local area should be properly researched including the venue, facilities, suitability for age, access, cost, special clothing requirements, transport etc.

If a student is lost on an outing:

• The member of staff noticing the student is missing should alert other members of the party and carry out a numbers check.

• A member of staff or the whole group if appropriate should retrace their movements to the last place that the student was seen.

• Another member of staff should alert the management of the organisation/venue being visited and the school to let them know the situation.

• Students on the visit should be asked for any relevant information if appropriate.

• If the student is not found straight away the school will alert the parents.

• If the student is not found after 15 minutes the police will be called.

Heads and Deputy Heads of Department within the school will support the Headteacher in their role. They will:

• Deal with any hazardous practices, equipment or building issues and report to the Headteacher if they remain unresolved.

• Provide a good example, guidance and support to staff on health and safety issues.

• Inform new staff about health and safety within the school.

• Carry out investigations into accidents and report to the SLT. 2

Measures in place to ensure a student does not go missing

• Information to parents and staff about challenging unknown persons on the premises and at the door.

• Bell entrance, reception and sign-in process for all visitors.

• Appropriate supervision of students and staff to student ratios at all times.

• Collection Policy in place and shared with staff and parents.