Educational Trips Policy

School: Caherleaheen NS

Introduction

This policy was drawn up in consultation with the Board of Management and staff, and shared with the P. Association.

Rationale

The need for this policy arises due to children being exposed to a wide variety of different environments and learning experiences while on school outings, and the necessity to have a framework for good practice in place to cover all eventualities.

Aims

• To ensure all practical possibilities are covered in reducing the risk of harm to children on outings
• To provide an enjoyable and safe educational experience for all children                         

Policy Content

Tours and Venues:

• The outing, venue, organisation and cost of tour will be discussed with the school principal before any bookings are made
• Teachers will ensure that venues are suitable for pupils with special or additional needs, physical disabilities or other individual considerations
• Tours should be age appropriate and accessible to all children

Supervision

The class teacher is responsible for his/her class.  However, it is school policy to ensure that the class teacher is accompanied by another member of the teaching staff when on outings. The ratio of one teacher to 13 pupils will be adhered to. Special Needs assistants will also supervise those children who have access to additional assistance. School staff  may be further augmented by supervising parents, at the request of the class teacher, especially if the outing is activity  or sport-based or when the age and needs within a class require extra supervision.

 

Cost

The teachers will ensure that the cost of their tours are reasonable and represent value for money, allowing sufficient time for parents and pupils to pay. Local tours are encouraged.

Class teachers will ensure that parents are given sufficient notice of;

• Itinerary & Timetable
• Cost
• Special clothing/ equipment requirements
• Packed healthy lunch and water
• Reminder of compliance with the school’s Code of Behaviour,

 

Tour Kit

Staff members will take a tour kit on all outings. Collect kit in secretary’s office. It contains

• First aid materials, refuse/plastic bags, wipes, sanitiser, suncream
• Personal mobile phone

 

Reports

Should problems arise either with venue, schedule or transport, teachers will report back to the principal immediately.

 

School Rules for tours & excursions

• Children are not allowed to use public toilets without informing a teacher
• A teacher must accompany and supervise children in or near public toilets
• Children must obey their supervisors & teachers at all times
• Children must remain seated with buckled seatbelt while the bus is in motion
• Children are not allowed to eat/drink on the bus/train nor are they allowed to bring electronic devices with them
• Children must remain with their allocated grouping and supervisor at all times
• Children will line up in their individual groups on disembarking from the bus/train
• Roll calls/head counts are taken when children return to the bus or centre after each segment of the tour
• Children must abide by the school’s Code of Behaviour
• School staff are not allowed to transport children by car
• Parents can transport pupils by car

 

Safety and Supervision

Teachers  and special needs assistants will be extra vigilant when taking children out of the school building. Special attention will be paid to – Road Safety, Behaviour on bus/in venue, Additional Needs, Child Protection and Health and Safety Risks.   Teachers must accompany their class throughout the tour. Shared supervision will allow for coffee breaks.

In cases of accident or emergency, a teacher will contact the principal and/or emergency services immediately. The other teacher and adults will remain with the rest of the children.  The principal will contact a parent immediately in the case of an accident or emergency. All procedures will adhere to our Health & Safety and Critical Incident policies.

 

Success Criteria

• Positive experiences for all
• Children having a safe enjoyable learning experience
• Pupil/Teacher/Assistant/Parent Satisfaction