Grandfather takes wrong child out of school after mix-up Published duration 4 October 2013

image caption Rehman Chishti MP said the incident could have happened at any school

A school handed over the wrong child to a grandfather who came to collect her for a doctor's appointment.

An investigation has been launched at the Napier Community Primary School, in Gillingham, after the six-year-old girl was taken to the doctor and prescribed liquid paracetamol.

It is understood the grandfather did not realise he had the wrong child.

It was only when the girl went home and showed her mother medicine she had been given that the mix-up came to light.

Zerina Slade, the school's headteacher, said it was "treating the matter extremely seriously".

'Never again'

"As soon as we realised this had occurred, we launched an investigation," she said.

"This has not only involved speaking with staff to find out how this could have happened, it has also involved reviewing all our procedures in connection with children's safety.

"I have also spoken with the mother of this child to offer our sincere apologies over this regrettable incident and to assure her that we are reviewing all our safeguarding policies - with the help of the council - to ensure this never happens again."

It is understood the girl had the same first name and was in the same class as the man's granddaughter.

The grandfather and child both travelled together to the Gillingham Medical Centre where she attended the doctor's appointment.

Rehman Chishti MP, who represents Gillingham and Rainham, praised the school for implementing enhanced safety procedures while the investigation is carried out.