Child left alone overnight on coach during school trip

Pupils had been to see a theatre show in London

Broadstone Middle School teaches children aged nine to 13
Author: Jason BeckPublished 11th Jul 2023

A school in Dorset says it is focussed on a "thorough investigation" after a pupil spent a night alone locked on a coach after falling asleep during a school trip to London.

The child, who goes to Broadstone Middle School in Poole, was left sleeping on the vehicle on Thursday night after pupils returned from a theatre show.

The school has admitted a "highly serious error" occurred.

Castleman Academy Trust, which runs the school, said: "Most regrettably, a child who fell asleep on the journey home, was left sleeping on the locked coach in the hotel car park.

"We would seek to reassure everyone that the child is safe and well, and after speaking with their parents, was keen to continue on the trip, which returned safely on Friday evening.

"Despite robust risk assessments being in place, it is clear that a highly serious error occurred and we are now focussed on undertaking a systematic and thorough investigation of the incident.

"We are working with the parents and staff involved to determine how this happened. We have informed all relevant authorities.

"We hope you understand that whilst this investigation is taking place, we cannot share specific information more widely, other than with those directly involved in the incident.

"We will of course provide further details and actions taken to reassure you that the school has taken every possible action to ensure this never happens again, as soon as possible."

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