Missing Ākonga Procedure

Missing ākonga

Attendance is monitored through our student management system (SMS), and parents/caregivers are notified of absences and/or patterns of absences. If an ākonga doesn't arrive at kura or goes missing during the day (including EOTC), we follow our usual absence monitoring procedures, which includes verifying the absence (i.e. checking there is no error with recording their attendance, or that the ākonga has not gone home ill) and contacting parents/caregivers or emergency contacts. If we then have reason to be concerned, we take the following steps:

1. Determine when they were last seen and if they have been picked up by a parent/caregiver. Ensure all other ākonga are safe, with at least one adult designated to monitor them.
   • If there is reason to believe an ākonga may be missing due to a specific incident, such as a trespasser on kura grounds or a kidnapping, we contact the police immediately.
2. Coordinate an immediate search.
   • If the ākonga is found, determine if medical help is required. Notify the tumuaki, searchers, and the parents/caregivers of the ākonga as appropriate.
3. If the ākonga is still missing after the initial search, nominated kaimahi leave the immediate area with cellphones to search more widely, using vehicles if necessary. Kaimahi who remain should continue to search the area.
   • If the ākonga is found, determine if medical help is required. Notify the tumuaki, searchers, and the parents/caregivers of the ākonga as appropriate.
   • If the ākonga is not found after searching for fifteen minutes, call the police for help. Follow police instructions and, if necessary, implement the crisis management procedure.
4. After the situation is resolved, record the incident, and debrief.

Ākonga leaving without permission

If an ākonga is seen leaving kura without permission, we take the following steps immediately:

1. Ensure relevant kaimahi are aware of the situation.
2. Follow the ākonga to ensure their safety. Physical restraint may only be used by kaiako and authorised kaimahi as a last resort if the ākonga is at risk of imminent harm.
3. Office staff notify the tumuaki and the parents/caregivers of the situation.
4. After the situation is resolved, record the incident, and debrief.

We inform parents/caregivers if their tamaiti leaves the kura, even if they return promptly.

Ākonga missing during emergency situation

If an ākonga is missing during an emergency situation, such as during an evacuation or drill, we take the following steps:

1. Notify the tumuaki immediately.
2. If it is safe, search the kura buildings or area where the ākonga was last seen.
   • If the ākonga is found, determine if medical help is required. Notify the tumuaki, searchers, and the parents/caregivers of the ākonga.
   • If the ākonga is not found, notify the police, relevant emergency personnel, and parents/caregivers immediately. Follow police instructions and, if necessary, implement the crisis management procedure.
3. After the situation is resolved, record the incident, and debrief. Notify WorkSafe if it is a notifiable event.

Related policies

• Crisis Management
• Evacuation
• Recording and Reporting Injuries and Illness
• Minimising Physical Restraint
• Rights of Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers

Release history: Term 4 2022, Term 2 2022, Term 3 2019, Term 3 2018

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Keywords: lost, hiding, running