Youth Dreams Project Ltd (YDP) understand that Children’s safety is maintained as the highest priority at all times both on and off premises. Every attempt is made through carrying out the outings procedure and the exit/entrance procedure to ensure the security of children is maintained at all times. In the unlikely event of a child going missing, our missing child procedure is followed.
Procedures
Child going missing on the premises
Child going missing on an outing
This describes what to do when staff members have taken a group on an outing, leaving the senior leader and/or other staff back in the setting. If the senior Leader has accompanied children on the outing, the procedures are adjusted accordingly.
What to do when a child goes missing from a whole setting outing may be a little different, as parents usually attend and are responsible for their own child.
As soon as it is noticed that a child is missing, staff on the outing ask children to stand with their designated person and carry out a headcount to ensure that no other child has gone astray.
One staff member searches the immediate vicinity, but does not search beyond that.
The setting leader or manager is contacted immediately and the incident is reported.
The setting leader contacts the police and reports the child as missing.
The setting leader contacts the parent, who makes their way to the setting or outing venue as agreed with the setting leader. The setting is advised as the best place, as by the time the parent arrives, the child may have been returned to the setting.
Staff members take the remaining children back to the setting.
In an indoor venue, the staff members contact the venue’s security who will handle the search and contact the police if the child is not found.
The setting leader contacts the MD. The MD carries out an investigation.
The investigation
Staff members keep calm and do not let the other children become anxious or worried.
The setting leader together with the MD speaks with the parent(s).
The MD carries out a full investigation taking written statements from all the staff in the area or who were on the outing.
The key person/staff member writes an incident report detailing:
a. The date and time of the report.
b. What staff/children were in the group/outing and the name of the staff designated responsible for the missing child.
c. When the child was last seen in the group/outing.
d. What has taken place in the group or outing since the child went missing.
e. The time it is estimated that the child went missing.
A conclusion is drawn as to how the breach of security happened.
If the incident warrants a police investigation, all staff co-operate fully.
Children’s Social Care may be involved if it seems likely that there is a child protection issue to address.
The incident is reported under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences) arrangements; the local authority Health and Safety Officer may want to investigate and will decide if there is a case for prosecution.
Managing people
Missing child incidents are very worrying for all concerned. Part of managing the incident is to try to keep everyone as calm as possible. The children may also be sensitive to what is going on around them. They too may be worried. The remaining staff caring for them need to be focused on their needs and must not discuss the incident in front of them. They should answer children’s questions honestly, but also reassure them.
Staff may feel vulnerable during this process and will need support In accordance with the severity of the final outcome, staff may need counselling and support. If a child is not found, or is injured, or worse, this will be a very difficult time. The MD will use their discretion to decide what action to take. Members of staff must not discuss any missing child incident with the press without permission from the MD who will have taken appropriate advice before appointing a spokesperson for the organisation.
Further support or advice regarding safeguarding can be found below:
www.gov.uk/report-missing-person
This policy was ratified on 1st January 2023.
Luke Kennedy, Managing Director
Youth Dreams Project
We work in over 36 schools in and around Peterborough and have 3 franchises in Cambridge, Oxford and Leicester. We aim to continue growing and reach even more young people nationwide. Our ethos is to deliver the highest standard of sports coaching, providing opportunities for as many young people as possible.
