LITTLE Jack Hewett’s visit to an activity centre with his school was only supposed to be a day trip, but it threatened to turn into an all-nighter when the coach left without him.

Jack, eight, of Copperfields, Basildon, was left high and dry at Grangewaters Outdoor Education Centre in Buckles Lane, South Ockendon, after his teachers failed to notice he wasn’t onboard the bus.

The youngster, who goes to Laindon Park primary school, had enjoyed a fun-filled day with around 60 schoolmates.

But, at home time, as everyone was piling back onto the coach, Jack went to the toilet and got locked inside.

By the time he managed to open the door, there was no coach in sight.

He stayed calm and made his way to the reception desk, where a receptionist called Jack’s school and got the coach to return and pick him up.

Although no harm was done, Jack’s mum is furious, and wants to know why the teachers didn’t notice her son was missing.

Lisa Bracken, 32, said: “Jack was left there by himself, and thank God nothing happened to him. How could they have not noticed he was missing? If they were doing proper head counts and checks, as they should be, it would never have happened.”

The single mum, who also has a one-year-old daughter, Demi-Rae, said she now plans to make an official complaint to Essex County Council.

Headteacher Cristina Portoles said: “When the children were boarding the coach to come home, a child was left behind.

“The child made himself known to staff at Grangewaters and they informed the school.

“Within 15 minutes, the coach had returned and picked up the missing child.

“The headteacher has met with the child’s mother and offered sincere apologies.

“The school is now reviewing procedures and will be implementing a headcount and full register for school trips to ensure this does not happen again.”

Current guidance from the Department of Education recommends teachers perform regular head counts and organise pupils into pairs or “buddies”.