An investigation has been launched after a child was reported missing from a special needs school.

Staff at Meadowfield alerted police at 9.55am on Wednesday that one of its pupils was not in registration.

It’s understood the youngster was found safe and well at 10.30am in Sheerness on board a bus which is used to transport students to the site in Swanstree Avenue, Sittingbourne.

A spokesman for the school said: "We are aware of an incident that took place, in which a pupil who attends Meadowfield was not in as expected for registration.

"KCC is investigating the circumstances directly.

"The parents of the pupil concerned will be kept informed.

"I would like to reassure parents and carers that we take transport to and from school very seriously and that as soon as it was clear that this pupil was not at registration, the school informed and involved all the relevant authorities to resolve the issue promptly."

A Kent Police spokesman said: "The school is investigating the matter internally and there will be no further police action."