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Lost Child Policy

The purpose of this policy is to set out procedures for staff to follow:

  • to prevent children becoming lost; and
  • should a child go missing from nursery or the care of nursery staff.

PREVENTION

  1. Staff should be aware of all children at all times.
  1. Staff should be aware of the behaviour and competences of all children, with particular vigilance for new children and those with special needs.
  1. When going into the garden, staff must take a headcount of the children and count them back in to the nursery building.
  1. Staff must be aware of children who are collected by parents while in the garden. Parents must sign children out when they leave, whether from the garden or inside.
  1. The front door is electronically controlled. Staff and parents must be vigilant in ensuring that gates and doors are always closed properly. See Admittance Policy.
  1. We have an Admittance Policy. Anyone not recognised must be greeted at the door and not admitted without plausible identification.
  1. Parents and staff must be vigilant in ensuring a child does not leave through the front door while they are coming in or out.
  1. We have a Collection Policy to ensure children only leave with a known carer.
  1. We have an Outings Policy and complete risk assessments for trips outside nursery.
  1. When children are on an outing, staff must be extra vigilant.
  1. Staff must be extra vigilant when outside with the children on a fire drill.

 

PROCEDURES 

  1. If a child is thought to be missing, staff must gather all children together and check against the register. Verify with all staff whether the child has been collected.
  1. If a child is missing, a Senior member of staff must thoroughly search the immediate surroundings where the child was last seen. If not found, broaden the search to a wider area.
  1. If outside nursery, ensure all other children are safe.
  1. If the child cannot be found, contact the police and then the parents.
  1. Inform Senior Management immediately, including Nominated Person Saffia Bullock. Saffia Bullock will inform Ofsted, and other agencies, as required.