St. Patrick’s NS School Tours/Excursions Policy
Introduction
Taking into account the age and interests of the children and the curriculum being covered, school tours will be arranged by the school to present the children with a new environment in which they can observe, investigate and relate their findings to their own environment. Tours will be arranged at the discretion of the class teacher.
This draft policy was drawn up in consultation with the staff and circulated to the Board of Management (BoM) and Parents Association for observations and feedback.
Rationale
The need for this policy arises due to children being exposed to a wide variety of different experiences while on school outings, and the necessity to have a framework for good practice in place to cover all eventualities.
Aims
Policy Content
As always the class teacher is responsible for his/her class. However it is school policy to ensure a number of assistants accompany a teacher on trip and assign individual groups of 10 children approximately to individual teachers or parental supervisors. This number varies on the age and needs within a class. No matter what size a class is, there will always be a minimum of 3 adults on each tour. This allows for an adult to accompany an injured child to hospital while leaving 2 adults with the rest of the class.
Tour Kit
Leaders will take a tour kit on all outings. These will be available from the office. The kit will contain;
Cost
The teachers will ensure that the cost of the tour is reasonable and represents value for money. All children will be actively encouraged to save towards the cost of the tour.
Venue
The teacher will be “au fait” with venue, with particular reference to educational opportunities afforded, and services available (phone, toilets, emergency facilities). Where no phone facilities exist, the leader will have a pre-arranged plan to deal with emergencies.
Weather Conditions
Parents should be aware of changing weather conditions depending on the time of year. Rain and head gear may be essential for all children and a change of clothes may be necessary, depending on the venue. Likewise suncream should be applied by parent before children depart on tour.
Equality of Access
Classes may choose a venue suitable for their own level or lower but not from levels above. Teachers will ensure that venues are suitable for pupils with special needs, physical disabilities or other individual considerations. Teachers should consult with Principal about choice of venue if there are any queries of accessibility for individual children.
Uniforms
Teachers travelling together will decide whether uniforms or tracksuits should be worn by all. Children should never wear name badges in public under Child Protection guidelines.
Reports
Where problems arise either with venue or transport teachers will report back to the Principal.
Conduct on Tours
Pupils’ behaviour on tours will comply with the standard set down in the School’s Code of Behaviour. In certain circumstances parents may be asked to agree to a contract on behaviour. Where it is felt that a child’s conduct would pose a safety risk or inhibit the educational benefit for self or others, the teacher may refuse the child permission to travel. Parents will be advised of this in advance.
School Rules for tours & excursions
Safety and Supervision
Teachers will be extra vigilant when taking children out of the school. Special attention will be paid to – Road Safety, Behaviour on bus, Risks posed by particular venues (e.g. adventure playgrounds, areas of water etc.). Teachers must accompany their class throughout the tour. Shared supervision will allow for teacher’s lunch and toilet breaks.
In cases of accident or emergency, a teacher will accompany an injured child to hospital, while the remaining teachers, SNAs & volunteers shall remain with the rest of the children. In the case where there is only one class teacher with accompanying parent volunteers, a parent will accompany the injured child to hospital while the teacher remains with his/her class in loco parentis. All procedures under our Health & Safety and Critical Incident policies will be adhered too.
Informing Parents
Teachers will ensure that Parents are given sufficient notice of;
Success Criteria
APPENDIX 1
TOURS CHECKLIST
Before the tour
Agreement on
Day of Tour
After Tour
*check tour kits contain