K2H38 Safety issues and concerns when taking children out of the setting

K2H38 Safety issues and concerns when taking children out of the setting.

Task:- Thinking of your Health and Safety, what precautions and procedures would you follow if you were taking children out of the setting.

1. The purpose of the outing/trip.

Enhance learning and provide stimulus to the curriculum, giving children real experiences and to practice skills and relationships in a different context/environment.

2. Planning a visit.

Is the trip suitable for the relevant age range, of the children? How long, what time scales will be involved including the length of journey times. What method of transport, if any, will be required? How much will the outing cost and how much extra help will be required?

No visit will be made unless a member of staff has been prior.
All new locations must be checked for safety and security before planned outing.
The responsibility of organising suitable transport (with seatbelts) will be down to the trip leader.
Insurance cover must be in place for the activity involved.
All children's medical/physical needs need to be considered.
Approval of the visit from the Head Teacher needs to be agreed.
All parents need to be informed regarding proposed trip at least two weeks in advance including any costs which may be incurred. Given the parents the opportunity to pay in instalments if necessary.
A letter containing relevant information must be sent to all parents.
- Date and timings of the trip.
- Estimated time of departure and arrival back at school.
- Costs.
- Sensible shoes must be worn.
- Transport details.
- Lunch arrangements.
- Clothing requirements in line with the weather conditions.
- Equipment required, pocket money or cameras.
- Appeal for helpers.
- Request for up to date emergency and medication details.
A permission slip MUST be received for every child. If any have not been received a few days before the trip the parent must be contacted personally.
Have in place relevant supervision, i.e. parent helpers in line with adult to children ratio. (One adult to six children in Key stage one and one adult to four children in foundation stage).

The Day Before.

The trip leader must ensure that they acquaint themselves with the correct methods of dealing with emergency situations. All children must be allocated to their group leader and a record must be kept and a copy must be given to each group leader. A record must also be left in the school with the secretary/office clerk.
The trip leader must ensure that all mobile phone numbers of the helpers have been exchanged and that all group leaders have been issued with the trip leader's mobile number. (All numbers must be kept confidential).
The trip leader must ensure that there is adequate adult to children ratio so that he/she is available for organisational / emergencies duties.
There should be clear outlined itinerary with exact timings and important information highlighted for all helpers which include a written list of all children with their group, detailed map of the location.
The trip leader should also remind children of what is expected from them when they are outside the school.
Designate a first aider.

Whilst on the outing / trip.

All children must stay with their group leaders at all times.
A pre-arranged signal must be in place for all children to stand by their group leaders.
All group leaders must know the children they are responsible for and must constantly check and count their group.
Whilst using transport (coach) all children must wear a seatbelt and remain seated at all times.
The first aider will carry all medical and first aid kit with them, all helpers must be informed of designated first aider. Also brown paper bags and tissues and a least one change of clothes for both sexes.
If any medication is required all helpers must have a list of the children within their care.

5. In case of an emergency:-

Any minor emergencies should be administered with first aid and parents informed in the normal incident record book.
Transport breakdown the lead leader should contact the school secretary / office clerk so that all waiting parents/carers are informed.
In any grave emergencies the trip leader will telephone the school and parents will be notified according to first priority.
The trip leader must contact emergency services and then the head teacher.
The Head must ascertain the following the nature, time and location of the incident and the names of those involved. They must also ensure that a full register has been taken and which other adults are with the uninjured. Ensuring that they nominate a person to be in charge so that the trip leader can go with the emergency services. Have the caller's telephone number in case they are cut off.
The Head will also be responsible for contacting the parents/carer.