Inadequate precautions and lack of training in the Fgura Skolasajf school are to blame for allowing a boy to walk out onto the street in August, an inquiry has found.

The Inquiry was held on request by the Ministry for Education.

The inquiry board explained that CCTV cameras and proper security would have helped avoid the situation.

The playworker who was responsible for the child was 18 years old and the assistant playworker was 16 years old. Both of these, as well as the Skolasajf Coordinator were found not to have the proper training. The discrepancy in the playworkers report of the child being missing at 11.30 am while the child was found on the street at 11.15 am was due to the worker's lack of a watch.

The board found that the playworker had previously been informed of the child's hyper tendencies. The report also revealed that three weeks prior, the same child had gotten away from the play worker while in the cinema. The Board found that the Foundation for Educational Services was using workers who were not properly informed of their duties and were not properly trained for these situations.

The Board recommended keeping the school gate closed at all times. It also recommends that gates feature electronic security locks and should only be opened from the inside. In addition, in large schools someone should be appointed to keep an eye on persons entering and exiting the school.

They noted that although in the past SkolaSajf had trained teachers who knew what they were doing, this year was lacking. In addition, standard operating procedures should be implemented, giving the example that young children in small groups should always be accompanied by a playworker or an assistant when leaving class.

The report was tabled in Parliament by Education Minister Evarist Bartolo following a question posed by Etienne Grech.