| Supervision
"Whatever the length and nature of the visit, regular
head counting should take place, particularly before leaving any venue,"
the department says.
And all supervisors should carry a list of all the pupils and
adults on the trip.
The government's recommended ratio is of one adult for every
ten to 15 pupils in school years four to six (nine to 11 year olds).
For years one to three (six to eight year olds) the ratio
should rise to one adult to every six pupils.
Consent form
Parents should be given full details about the trip and
must sign a consent form before their child can to take part in the trip.
They should also give authorisation for emergency medical
treatment.
The trip leader is advised to complete a risk assessment form
- even if just for a visit to the local museum - and pass on a copy to the
school governors, head teacher and local education authority.
Schools using private companies, such as an activity centre,
for their trips should make sure the provider has a licence for the activities
it offers.
Learn the language
When organising a trip abroad, schools are advised that it is
"good practice" to carry out an exploratory visit to the location.
If this is not possible, the group leader is advised to
collect as much information as possible about the area.
Pupils can derive a good deal of educational benefit from
taking part in visits with their schools
|
|
Department for Education
|
One of the adults on the trip should be able to speak and read
the language of the country in question, the Department for Education suggests.
If not, one must learn enough of the language to hold a basic
conversation and to know how to express themselves in the event of an emergency,
the department says.
Schools are also advised that pupils should have a basic
knowledge of the local language.
And they should carry a note in the language in question,
giving details of their party, in case they get lost.
Educational benefit
But despite the strict guidelines, brought in after a
"number of tragic incidents involving school children" - such as the
Lyme Regis canoeing disaster in 1993 which took the lives of four teenagers -
the department is keen to stress the benefits of taking pupils away from the
school environment.
"The potential hazards... should not discourage
teachers," the Department for Education says.
"Pupils can derive a good deal of educational benefit
from taking part in visits with their schools."
But even the strictest of guidelines cannot cover every
eventuality and with a weight of responsibility and a number of high profile
cases concerning school trip safety, teachers may be more and more reluctant to
take the risk.
Source: BBC News July 2001
Fieldwork
Safety Issues
|