An investigation is underway after a child was left unsupervised at school for two hours in Melbourne.
The boy was on a program run by Team Kids at Dingley Village Primary in south-east Melbourne when he was left on campus on Wednesday last week.
Seven-year-old William was one of about 40 children leaving for the climbing adventure, as part of a school vacation program.
Seven-year-old William was on a program run by Team Kids at Dingley Village Primary in south-east Melbourne when he was left behind on campus on Wednesday last week. (new)
But the bus took off without William, who was left alone, with no phone and no way to contact anyone for help.
William’s nine-year-old sister sounded the alarm at the scene and a staff member did a count.
Then the staff realized that the child had been left behind.
The staff member returned to the school, where they found him.
William’s father, Nathan Cummings, said he was “absolutely surprised” that his son was left behind.
An investigation is underway after a child was left unsupervised at school for two hours in Melbourne. (new)
“I just got this overwhelming shock, it was indescribable,” he said.
“It’s pretty daunting to think what could have happened because even if he fell off the yard, he’s alone there.
“That night I had a lot of trouble sleeping and a couple of nights later, I was just constantly thinking ‘what if?'”
Team Kids CEO James Taylor says it was the result of staff forgetting to do a check on the children’s heads before they left.
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Four Team Kids staff members who run the show that day have since been retired.
A spokesman for the Department of Education said they were investigating the facts.
“The health and safety of all children is our top priority,” the spokesman said.