An 11-year-old girl has been found safe and well after a large-scale police search involving a helicopter and the dog squad in Sydney’s south.

Jacinta Laverance was last seen at her family home in Sylvania Heights late on Sunday night wearing her purple and aqua pyjamas.

When her parents awoke about 6.15am on Monday they noticed the back door was open and their 11-year-old daughter was nowhere to be seen.

They searched local areas she was known to frequent before calling police about an hour later. Authorities then launched a huge search.

Jacinta was found before 1pm in a reserve about two kilometres away and was quickly brought back to the family home. She embraced her parents in the driveway before being taken inside.

Superintendent Julian Griffiths says the girl didn’t need any medical help.

Police wouldn’t reveal details with Supt Griffiths noting it was too early to classify the incident as a runaway.

However, he confirmed Jacinta – one of four children – wasn’t taken against her will.

Jacinta’ parents Mark and Belinda thanked the community for their support and praised the “outstanding” efforts of NSW Police.

“We’re just really pleased there’s a really good result with Jacinta coming home back to her loving family,” Mr Laverance told reporters on Monday afternoon.

– AAP