A six-year-old girl was left terrified after being accidentally locked inside her primary school for over two hours when staff failed to notice her during dismissal.
The young pupil, who attends a school in Westminster, was only discovered when her frantic parents alerted staff after she failed to return home.
Parents Demand Answers
The girl's mother described the ordeal as "every parent's worst nightmare", saying her daughter was "sobbing and confused" when finally found.
"How could no one notice a missing child? This is a serious safeguarding failure," she told reporters.
School's Response
The school has launched an internal investigation, calling the incident "deeply regrettable". A spokesperson stated:
- Enhanced headcount procedures are being implemented
- All staff will receive additional safeguarding training
- Parents will be consulted on new safety measures
Broader Safety Concerns
Child protection experts warn this case highlights wider vulnerabilities in school safety protocols:
- Overcrowded classrooms increasing oversight challenges
- Inconsistent dismissal procedures across UK schools
- Lack of technological solutions for pupil tracking
The local council has pledged to review safeguarding policies across all primary schools in the area.
