Missing Child Policy

1. Introduction

This policy applies to all staff (including volunteers), pupils, and parents at The International School of Jakarta (ISJ) (hereafter, "the School"). It should be read in conjunction with the School's:

• Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
• Supervision of Pupils Policy
• Educational Visits Policy

Where appropriate to our context in Jakarta, Indonesia, this policy follows the guidance set out in the UK Department for Education (DfE) "Keeping Children Safe in Education" and guidance on children who run away or go missing from home or care.

This policy applies to all pupils.

For the purposes of this policy, the term "missing" refers to a pupil being absent without authorisation or explanation.

2. Policy Aims

Through the operation of this policy, the School aims to:

• Promote the safety and wellbeing of pupils at all times
• Ensure staff know how to respond effectively if a pupil goes missing during the school day or on a school visit

3. Responsibility

The Board delegates responsibility for the day-to-day management of the School to the Academic Director.

In practice, all staff contribute to pupil safety through appropriate supervision in accordance with:

• The Supervision of Pupils Policy
• Staff duty rotas
• Directions from the Academic Director and Senior Leadership Team

The School recognises its duty to supervise pupils to the standard of a prudent and careful parent.

Where required, the 'Principal' liaises with local authorities in accordance with local arrangements.

Where reasonably possible, the School holds more than one emergency contact number for each pupil.

The procedures within this policy may be adapted, where necessary, at the discretion of the Academic Director, Principal or DSL.

4. Registering Pupils

All pupils are registered electronically "twice daily"

Morning registration: 7.50am by Form Teachers

Afternoon registration: Lesson straight after lunch

Afternoon registration is taken by the teacher delivering the first lesson after lunch.

Pupils arriving late must sign in at the School Office. Pupils authorised to leave during the school day must be signed out by an authorised adult at the School Office.

5. Procedure for Pupils Missing from Registration

(See Appendix 1 for summary)

Step 1: Initial Checks

If a pupil is marked absent and no pre-authorised absence is recorded on SchoolBase, the School Office Secretary will:

• Check reported absences and sign-in/sign-out records
• Check the pupil's timetable and visit the expected class
• Ask staff and classmates for information and verify any second-hand information
• Check music lesson lists with the Head of Music
• Contact the pupil's Form Teacher

Step 2: Parent Contact

If the pupil is not located, parents will be contacted by 9.30am to confirm the absence.

Step 3: Escalation

If parents confirm the pupil should be in school, or cannot be contacted, the Principal (or DSL in their absence) is informed immediately.

An extensive search of the school site is initiated, supported by caretaking and administrative staff as required.

Step 4: Emergency Contacts and Safeguarding

If parents cannot be contacted and there are welfare or safeguarding concerns, emergency contacts will be used. The Academic Director will be informed.

Step 5: Ongoing Communication

Parents will be contacted again where possible. The Academic Director will remain informed throughout.

Step 6: Police Involvement

If the pupil's whereabouts cannot be established, the Principal (or DSL) will agree next steps with the Academic Director and parents, including whether to contact the police.

6. Pupils Missing on School Trips or Visits

Educational visits are managed in line with the Educational Visits Policy. Supervision ratios are agreed in advance and reflect:

• Age of pupils
• Nature of the activity
• Location
• Staff experience

If a pupil goes missing, the trip leader will:

• Organise an immediate search of the vicinity
• Question pupils discreetly

If the pupil is not found, the Principal (or DSL) is contacted. Parents and, where appropriate, the Academic Director will be informed and decisions made regarding police involvement.

A written report must be completed once the incident is resolved.

7. Information to be Provided to the Police

When contacting the police, the School will provide:

• Pupil's name and age
• Recent photograph (if available)
• Physical description and clothing
• Home address and contact details
• Any medical, SEND, pastoral, or safeguarding concerns
• Relevant comments made by the pupil

8. Once a Pupil Has Been Found

A supportive and sensitive approach will be taken. The Principal will meet with the pupil to consider:

• Whether the absence was deliberate
• Any underlying distress or safeguarding concerns
• Appropriate follow-up or sanctions (if applicable)

9. Lost Child Procedures

In School

• Remain calm and initiate an immediate search
• Check toilets, cupboards, exits, reception, and CCTV
• Inform the Academic Director, Principal, or DSL
• Ensure other pupils are supervised
• Contact parents and police if the child is not found

A full written record must be completed. Staff must not speak to the media or disclose the child's identity.

Outside School / Trips

• Follow agreed supervision and headcount procedures
• Keep the group together
• Search immediately and escalate after five minutes
• Inform ISJ and the police as required

10. Persistent Non-Attendance

Repeated absence or lateness will be raised by the Form Teacher with the Principal or Academic Director. Safeguarding concerns will be explored with the pupil and parents.

11. Record Keeping

The Principal will maintain records on SchoolBase for any missing pupil incidents involving the police.

12. Risk Reduction Measures

• Controlled site access and security codes
• Staff on duty at arrival and departure times
• Security guards on duty
• Prompt registration
• Supervised transitions and departures
• Secure Pre-Prep Garden

13. Review

This policy is reviewed annually by the Board or sooner if required by new guidance or following incidents.