Geography Fieldwork Planning

Risk assessment

We are able to provide updated risk assessments for all visits with details of the measures that should be taken to avoid or reduce the risks. LEAs, head teachers and governing bodies should also be given a copy so that approval, as necessary, can be given with a clear understanding that effective planning has taken place.

The group leader and other supervisors should monitor the risks throughout the visit and take appropriate action as necessary.

The group leader should take the following factors into consideration when assessing the risks:

• the type of visit/activity and the level at which it is being undertaken;

• the location, routes and modes of transport;

• the competence, experience and qualifications of supervisory staff;

• the ratios of teachers and supervisory staff to pupils;

• the group members age, competence, fitness and temperament and the suitability of the activity;

• the special educational or medical needs of pupils;

• the quality and suitability of available equipment;

• seasonal conditions, weather and timing;

• emergency procedures;

• how to cope when a pupil becomes unable or unwilling to continue;

• the need to monitor the risks throughout the visit.

Exploratory visit

We provide free inspection weekends for group leaders to:

• ensure at first hand that the venue is suitable to meet the aims and objectives of the school visit;

• assess potential areas and levels of risk;

• ensure that the venue can cater for the needs of the staff and pupils in the group;

• become familiar with the area before taking a group of young people there.

We can also provide names and addresses of other schools who have used our services.

Other factors

Other factors which should form part of the planning stage include:

• the facilities/equipment the group will need to take on the visit;

• the facilities/equipment to be provided at the venue;

• staff training needs;

• the designation of someone to record the details of the visit and to carry accident forms etc;

• transport arrangements;

• insurance arrangements;

• information to us;

• communication arrangements;

• supervision ratios;

• contingency measures for enforced change of plan or late return;

• information to parents;

• preparing pupils;

• emergency arrangements;

• arrangements for sending pupils home early.

Emergency services

All adults in the group should know how to contact the emergency services in Catalonia. These are:

First aid

First aid should form part of the risk assessment. On any kind of visit the group leader should have a good working knowledge of first aid and ensure that an adequate first-aid box  is taken. It is sensible for at least one of the group's teachers to be a fully-trained first-aider.

The minimum first-aid provision for a visit is:

• a suitably stocked first-aid box;

• a person appointed to be in charge of first-aid arrangements.

First aid should be available and accessible at all times. The Health and Safety Executive recommends the following minimum contents for a travelling first-aid box where no special risk has been identified:

• a leaflet giving general advice on first aid;

• six individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings;

• one large sterile unmedicated wound dressing approximately 18 cm x 18 cm;

• two triangular bandages;

• two safety pins;

• individually wrapped moist cleansing wipes;

• one pair of disposable gloves;

a resusciade (for hygienic mouth to mouth resuscitation) would also be useful.

Our staff members are trained in first-aid and carry a first-aid box at all times whilst working with groups.