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Missing Child Policy
The Shades of the Life Oxford Digital Design and Visual Art Studio
Bright Future Innovators Camp & Mystery Missions Camp
Last Reviewed: 10. 05. 2025.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Gyongyi Domokos (CEO)

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1. Purpose

The purpose of this Missing Child Policy is to ensure that staff act quickly and effectively in the event that a child goes missing from camp. The safety of children is our highest priority, and this policy outlines steps to prevent children from going missing and procedures to follow should such an incident occur.

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2. Scope

This policy applies to all children attending SOL camps, their parents/guardians, and all staff and volunteers involved in the care and supervision of children.

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3. Preventative Measures

  • Children are signed in and out daily using attendance registers.

  • Staff maintain appropriate child-to-staff ratios at all times.

  • Regular headcounts are conducted throughout the day, especially during transitions between activities and locations.

  • Children are briefed on boundaries and are always accompanied by staff when leaving the main group.

  • Camp areas are risk assessed and secure, with gates or restricted access where possible.

  • Staff are assigned specific children/groups for close supervision.

 

4. If a Child Goes Missing

Step 1: Immediate Action

  • Staff will alert the Camp Manager immediately.

  • An immediate headcount will be conducted.

  • The last known location and time the child was seen will be confirmed.

  • Staff will search the immediate and surrounding area, including toilets, hiding places, and accessible outdoor zones.

Step 2: Escalation (if not found within 5–10 minutes)

  • The parent/guardian will be contacted.

  • If the child is still not located after 10 minutes, the police will be called (999).

  • The incident will be recorded, including time, location, staff present, and actions taken.

Step 3: Continuing Response

  • Remaining children will be supervised in a safe location.

  • A staff member will remain at the scene to liaise with emergency services.

  • Full cooperation will be given to police and authorities.

 

5. After the Incident

  • The incident will be formally recorded and reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

  • A full review will take place to identify how the incident occurred and implement actions to prevent recurrence.

  • Ofsted and the local authority may be informed where appropriate.

  • Staff involved will be debriefed and supported.

  • A follow-up meeting will be held with the child’s parents.

 

6. Policy for Offsite Activities

  • Additional risk assessments are conducted for offsite trips.

  • Children wear high-visibility vests or badges with emergency contact details.

  • Staff carry mobile phones and first aid kits.

  • Registers are taken before departure, during the trip, and upon return.

 

7. Roles and Responsibilities

All Staff:

  • Maintain vigilance and child supervision.

  • Act immediately if a child is unaccounted for.

Camp Manager:

  • Coordinate the search and escalation.

  • Contact emergency services and parents.

  • Complete incident reports and inform DSL.

DSL (Gyongyi Domokos):

  • Conduct a review.

  • Liaise with safeguarding authorities.

  • Support staff and parents.

 

8. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually and following any incident involving a missing child.

Contact:
Gyongyi Domokos
CEO & Designated Safeguarding Lead

gyongyidomokos@theshadesofthelife.com I +44/(0)7380410465

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