Important Information for Parents and Guardians

The information that follows could help keep your children 'Safe & Found'. Also look out for the Ipswich Central Child Safe Zones wallet cards which are an ideal size to carry in your purse at all times. They list all you need to know about Child Safe Zones in Ipswich Central and what to do if you lose a child.

ADVICE FOR PARENTS

If you lose a child...

1) Stay close to where you last saw them

2) Ring 08700 62 27 39

3) Speak directly to the operator who will help you

Make sure you child carries your phone contact details at all times. Free Child Safe Zone wristbands for this purpose are available from:

* Tower Ramparts Shopping Centre, Tavern Street, Ipswich. The bands and information leaflets are located between Ernest Jones and Diamond & Pearls)

* Buttermarket Shopping Centre (Friars Street, Ipswich). The bands and information leaflets are located near to the car park lifts at street level.

* Tourist Information Centre (St Stephen's Lane).

REMEMBER, IT IS EASY FOR CHILDREN TO GET DISTRACTED IN BUSY PLACES. MOST CHILDREN ARE REUNITED VERY  QUICKLY, BUT A CHILD IS VULNERABLE WHILST LOST SO IT'S IMPORTANT TO TEACH A CHILD WHAT TO DO.

What to tell your child to do if they are lost

*Stop, stand still and look. DON'T run about

* If you see the person you were with, go to them and hold their hand

* If lost in a shop, go to the nearest till point and talk to the shop assistant

(most shop assistants will wear uniforms or badges)

* If in a shopping centre, tell them to look for the smiley orange balloon window sticker, then look for a Mum with children and ask her to ring the number

* Do not approach anyone else

How to avoid losing your child

*Encourage children to stay close to you

* Use reins or wrist links

* Do not leave a child in an unsupervised area

*Write a contact number on a wristband or tag

*Carry and up to date photograph of your child

* Make a note of what your child is wearing

For more information click here