1. Thorough check for all classes, rooms including toilets, any possible places or void spaces that can accommodate a child. Alert all staff about the missing child.
2. Check for any traces available.
- if anyone has seen the child being taken by someone
- the last time any staff saw the child
- look for his/her bag and belongings to ensure that nobody picked them up
4. Send staff to look for the child in the vicinity especially places like shops and playgrounds.
5. Staff in centre to further check indoor cupboards and slits for any possibility of the child getting stuck and cannot escape - hear out for crying etc.
6. Inform the management and parents of child concerned (clarify with the parents to ensure that they did/did not send anyone to fetch the child before disclosing the missing child case.)
7. Record the event immediately in the logbook:
- time the child is discovered missing
- actions taken so far
- time of discovery
- follow up actions
9. Write a full report to the management and allow them to follow up and handle the case with the parents.
Precautions!
- NEVER leave the children unsupervised.
- Close all exits/entrances at all times if not used.
- Closely monitor sign in/out procedure.
- Set class rules for children i.e. if child has to inform and get teachers' permission first before leaving the classroom or move away from the group.
- Make it a routine manner for child (and eventually the adults who fetches the child) to bid goodbye to the teachers and the other children.
- Lock places where a child may be tempted to hide e.g. big cupboards, store rooms etc.
- Make aware to the children that these places are restricted for adults use only.
- Train the children to be alert and look out for one another.
- Train them to report to teachers if they sense something amiss or suspicious of someone e.g. strangers loitering around school compound etc.
Outside School:
1. Gather children and headcount to re-confirm.
2 Alert all teachers that a child is missing.
3. Check if the child is with any other teachers/class.
4. Check with all teachers the time child was last seen.
5. Check if an adult was with the child (possibility of the adult bringing the child to buy ice-cream or to toilet without informing any teachers etc) If they noticed any suspicious character around.
6. Wait for the child, do not move the group further/on to the next location (unless a spot for missing kids has already been pre-identified - please check with the location officer)
7. Send some teachers to look for the child within the vicinity (200m radius at least) from the group. Start at the place the child was last seen.
8. Proceed to the Information Counter or Security Officer to ask for help if available. Make a public announcement if the service is available.
9. Send the rest of the children back to school if the time does not permits.
10. The class teacher and supervisor to stay at the location to continue the search and follow up.
11. Look out for dangerous areas where the child could possibly be trapped or unconscious such as:
- big drains/canals
- deep hole
- slippery field
- cages
- railings etc
13. File a report and check with insurance company for potential accountability.
14. Record the incident for submission to the management immediately.
15. Let the management liaise with the parents thereafter.
Precautions!
- All parents/guardians must sign and submit the Consent Form before excursion. No exception is allowed.
- Set rules and remind the children of your expectation of proper behaviour outside the school
- always be in the group
- ask permission from teachers before going to toilet etc
- teach the children how to react if he/she is taken away by stranger
- Do headcounts before leaving any place
- Put children nametags with school contact numbers at the back of their uniform
- Children must wear school uniform for easy identification
- Always have one teacher leading the group and one at the back supervising
- Always follow student - teacher outing ratio
- Any adults whose helping/volunteering for the first time to an excursion must be briefed on the safety measures practiced. Explain clearly that they are expected to follow the group at all times and to comply with group's decision. Communication is very important! Please communicate whenever leaving the group.
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