Rationale:

The curriculum can be enhanced by well planned and well organised visits.

Purposes:

• To support and enhance class based work
• To broaden the experience of the children
• To provide the children with the opportunity to take part in activities which would be difficult to provide on the school site
• To provide stimulating and enjoyable experiences
• To encourage children to integrate with others and make social contacts
• To use the outdoors as an extension of classroom activities

Safety and Staffing:

• Always fill in an educational visit form to obtain permission from the Headteacher
• A First Aid kit and mobile telephone should be taken on all out of school activities
• For K.S. 2 children a ratio of one adult to ten children is advised for most trips and visits. A ratio of one adult to six children is preferred for K.S. 1 children and a ratio of one adult to four children is preferred for Nursery children
• Use only approved coach companies

Guidelines

• Do risk assessment
• Obtain permission from the Headteacher
• School visits should have an educational purpose, and should be linked with curriculum work
• Wherever possible staff should make a ‘pre-visit' visit in order to check facilities and arrangements and to assist in effective planning
• The venues chosen should be appropriate for the age, ability and experience of the children concerned
• A letter must be sent to parents giving information, cost and advice about arrangements etc. Always make the estimated time of arrival back at school clear to parents and remind them that they are responsible for meeting their children at school if the time is different from normal school finishing time. A return slip must be completed by the parents, giving permission for their children to take part in the trip
• Children should wear their school uniform on all educational trips as it aids identity and helps discipline. However, exceptions can be made when the nature of the visit demands more appropriate clothing
• If the visit takes pupils out of school over the lunchtime, please inform the kitchen
• Any member of staff who is in any doubt as to the suitability of taking a particular child for any reason should consult with the Headteacher
• Staff must correctly calculate the cost of excursions and charge the parents accordingly
• A check should be made regarding children's allergies e.g. to penicillin or to stings, and a note made of relevant steps to be taken. Medication needed by individual children should be handed to the teacher on departure
• For residential visits a programme should be left in school as well as given to the parents. The names and emergency contacts for all pupils should be left with a member of the Senior Management Team.
• Have an emergency contact procedure in place.