What if a child runs away during an excursion

by | 21 Jan 2025

Excursions are an exciting part of school life, offering students hands-on learning experiences outside the classroom. But what happens if a child (student) runs away during an excursion? Here’s how to manage the incident (or potential) effectively to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

  1. Safety First

Immediately ensure the safety of the remaining students. Gather the group in a secure location, take a quick headcount and roll call, and assign staff to supervise while others manage the situation.

  1. Notify Key Personnel

Contact your school’s designated emergency contact to inform them of the situation. This ensures support is on its way and prepares the school to respond as needed.

  1. Search Safely and Systematically

Designate a small team of staff to search the area where the student was last seen. Ensure they are equipped with mobile phones for communication. Avoid splitting up further unless necessary and only if it’s safe.

  1. Engage External Help

If the child is not found quickly or there is any immediate risk to their safety, contact local authorities such as the police. Provide them with a clear description of the child, including their name, age, clothing, and any relevant medical or behavioural information.

  1. Maintain Communication

Keep parents informed, providing reassurance and updates on the steps being taken. Transparency is key to maintaining trust in such situations. This communication will be managed by the Schools Critical Incident Management Team.

  1. After the Incident

Once the child is found and the group is safe, conduct a debrief with all involved. Identify what worked, what didn’t, and how your excursion risk management plan can be improved.

Proactive Planning Makes All the Difference

  • Have clear supervision ratios and assign zones for staff to monitor during excursions.
  • Use tools like wristbands or temporary ID cards with emergency contact details.
  • Practice what to do if a student gets separated during excursions as part of your school’s emergency drills.

How prepared are you for the unexpected on your next school outing?

School Resilience Survey

This specific survey focuses on lessons learnt from incidents over the last 12 months, and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.