The shocking incident involved a Year 6 pupil from a Poole school who was left sleeping in a hotel car park on the outskirts of London during a school trip.
It is understood the large group of children from Broadstone Middle School, aged 10 and 11, were on a three-day trip last week to London and surrounding areas where they visited the Royal Air Force Museum, at the former Hendon Aerodrome, and near Watford at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden.
Parents have demanded external action following the incident, which the school is investigating.
On Thursday evening (July 6), the group went to a performance of the Wicked musical in central London.
It was later found that a child had been left sleeping on the coach overnight.
Parents were told about the incident via a letter from executive headteacher Dawn Wilks.
Broadstone Middle School is part of the Castleman Academy Trust whose motto is ‘Children First, Always’.
A spokesperson from the trust 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.
Broadstone Middle School
“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.”
They added further details would be provided on actions taken to “ensure this never happens again”.
One mother, whose child attends the school, has called for an external investigation into the matter and said she would not let her child go on any trips in future.
She said: “If children are at the heart of what they do, how could this have happened?
“I don’t understand how they didn’t check the coach before they left, that’s just standard procedure surely? Also, the fact their rooms weren’t checked to ensure they were all in their beds and okay.
“It’s hard to believe that anything like this could happen. A child being left alone and outside overnight. It’s just shocking.”
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