Teachers left child at theme park

Pupils were at the theme park as an end-of-year reward

A child was left behind at a theme park after a school trip.

The boy, a year seven pupil at Primrose High School in Leeds, had been among 200 children on a day trip last Tuesday to Lightwater Valley, North Yorkshire.

The school coach left without him and "it was a matter of a few minutes" before staff noticed he was missing.

Park staff were immediately alerted and looked after the boy until his teachers returned. The school said it had conducted "a thorough investigation".

A Leeds City Council spokesman said guidance about the planning and organisation of school trips was being reissued to staff.

Liz Talmadge, executive head teacher for the Central Leeds Learning Federation, which includes Primrose High School, said: "On Tuesday 24 June, a group of 200 children accompanied by 20 staff visited Lightwater Valley Theme Park as an end-of-year reward for year seven and year eight students.

This should not have happened and the school is dealing with the matter following a thorough investigation Liz Talmadge, executive head teacher

"At the end of a successful and enjoyable day one child was inadvertently left behind at the theme park as they thought they were meant to wait for a sibling.

"As soon as the child's absence was noted the theme park was alerted and they were looked after by theme park staff until the trip leader returned to the park to collect them.

"This should not have happened and the school is dealing with the matter following a thorough investigation of the facts. The school has run many similar trips in the past without incident."

Mark Bainbridge, general manager and director of Lightwater Valley, said: "Lightwater Valley is a fun, safe and friendly environment for families and children of all age groups.

"On Tuesday 24 June, the theme park was very busy as it is a popular venue for school children and teachers at this time of year.

"We can confirm that a child was left by a Leeds school.

"The child stayed with members of the Lightwater Valley team until teachers from the aforementioned school came to collect the child. Lightwater Valley liaised and co-operated with the school at all times."