At Gosforth Out of School Clubs we are always alert to the possibility that children can go missing during sessions. To minimise the risk of this happening staff will carry out periodic head counts, particularly when transporting children between locations (eg moving between inside and outside and between the school and club).

If a child cannot be located, the following steps will be taken:

• All staff will be informed that the child is missing.
• Staff will conduct a thorough search of the premises and surrounding area.
• After 10 minutes the police will be informed. The manager will then contact the

child’s parents or carers.

• Staff will continue to search for the child whilst waiting for the police and parents to arrive.
• We will maintain as normal a routine as possible for the rest of the children at the  Club.
• The manager will liaise with the police and the child’s parent or carer.

The incident will be recorded on an Incident Sheet. A review will be conducted regarding this and any other related incidents along with relevant policies and procedures. We will identify and implement any changes as necessary.

If the police or Social Care were involved in the incident, we will also inform Ofsted.

Written in accordance with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2024): Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements: Organising premises for confidentiality and safeguarding [3.73[ Information for parents and carers [3.83] .