Introduction

This policy is written in accordance with the DfES Good Practice Guidance and supplement for Health and Safety of Pupils on Educational Visits(HASPEV), 1998, Standards for Adventure, 2008 it considers the suggestions made in the DfES Learning Outside the classroom Manifesto, 2006, and is informed by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, Out and About Guidance document 2006. The recommendations from these sources are reflected in this policy.

This policy links to the following:

Child Protection

Health and Safety Policy

First Aid and Medication policy

Aims and objectives

Educational Visits and learning outside the classroom are an integral part of life at The Cedars School, furthering the education of the pupils. Educational visits and learning experiences outside the classroom are arranged for a child not only so their learning is benefited but also so that, knowledge, understanding and skills can be developed through experience that is not achievable in the classroom.

'When you step outside the classroom you have the opportunity to transform learning and raise achievement. Learning outside the classroom allows participants to learn in context, to learn by practical engagement, and to learn by personal discovery.'

DCFS, Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, Out and About Guidance 2006

Educational visits and learning experiences outside of the classroom are defined as the use of alternative places other than the classroom for teaching and learning and include both day visits and residential activities.

Approval

All educational visits and learning experiences out of the classroom should be approved by the Head.In accordance to national recommendations all Educational visits and learning outside of the classroom experiences should consider the outcomes defined in the Every Child Matters agenda, and reflect the ethos of the school.

General Information

Early planning is essential for any visit.

Outdoor and adventurous activities should be within the ability of the children participating and the accompanying staff.

No amount of planning can guarantee that a visit will be totally incident free, but good planning and attention to health and safety measures can reduce the number of accidents and lessen the seriousness of those that do happen. Risk assessments will be undertaken prior to any off site activity is undertaken.

Welfare

All accompanying adults have a duty of care. Members of staff should remember that they are in loco parentis at all times and that common law duty states they should act as 'reasonably prudent parents would'.

Children should never be alone or isolated from their group.

When deciding groups, children should be considered individually according to need and placed with suitable adult who can best enhance the learning experience.

Staffing Requirements

Party Leader

If more than one class is involved in a visit, a party leader should be identified. This is normally the staff member with the most appropriate experience, competence or most relevant qualification, that is visit specific. For any Educational day visit or learning outside the classroom experience to go ahead, the ratios of staff to children must be correct and in accordance with best practice.

The Head Teacher is responsible for informing the parents and accompanying staff of their responsibilities.

First Aid

On any visit, at least one member of staff will hold a valid first aid certificate. A First aid kit will be taken on all outings. If there are children who are on either long or short term medication this will be also be taken and administered in accordance with parent/ guardian's written instructions.

Transport

The school will only use coaches that are fitted with seat belts. All seats should be forward facing and seat restraints should comply with legal requirements. The drivers should be suitably qualified and experienced.

On rare occasions, children may travel in staff or parents' cars. Children travelling thus should comply with the legal requirements. Booster seats are legally required for all children travelling in a car under the age of 12years and under the height of 135cm.

Supervision

§ At least two members of staff should supervise the children getting on and off the coach – one on the coach and one by the steps.

§ Check numbers on outward and return journeys and at any point where children or adults disembark and subsequently embark onto the coach

§ Do not let children sit on the first two seats facing the front window or next to the emergency exit where ever practicable.

§ Ensure children are settled and seat belts fastened before setting off.

§ Children must wear their seat belts throughout the journey unless told to remove them in an emergency.

§ At least one member of staff should be on each coach or minibus and have a mobile phone with them.

Pupil Organisation

Regular sessions are generally held with children to prepare them for the visit, so that they obtain maximum benefit from the educational visit or learning outside the classroom experience.

Groups Lists are prepared for all staff and helpers attending with the visit.

Adult: Pupil Ratios

The school sets guidelines with regard to adult: pupil ratios that are required on any educational visit or learning outside of the classroom experience. The normal maximum ratio of adults to children should be 1:6 for Reception and 1:8 for other years but this should be confirmed as part of the risk assessment.

Information Available

The Head Teacher and Deputy hold the visit information for the duration of the visit. The information should contain details of:

¨ itinerary

¨ contact points

¨ mobile phone number(s)

¨ staff members

¨ emergency contacts

¨ copies of Parental Consent Form.

¨ emergency procedures.

Reporting Accidents

The standard procedures for reporting accidents are followed at all times. Injuries to any person (adult or child) attending a learning experience outside the classroom must be recorded in accordance to HSE guidelines and school protocol as stated in the school first aid policy. Completion of the relevant forms detailing injury, location, time, date and treatment given is essential.

Emergencies

The group leader will ensure the safety of the group as a priority and contacts the appropriate emergency/rescue services. Other members of the staff will ensure that the children are taken away from the area of danger.