2.5.1 Outings and Trips |
SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER
There is detailed guidance about the context of Activities and Trips in Offsite Activities Procedure
This Chapter explains the procedure that staff in Play Settings must follow when they organise an outing.
Contents
1. Preparation
The playcentre staff will follow these strict procedures whilst out with the children, regardless of the environment:
Before any child is allowed to participate in an outing the written permission of the parents must be obtained. This permission should include arrangements for medial emergencies. Parents should be aware of the maximum amount of spending money for the child on the outing form. Where parents are reluctant to consent to their child going on the outing the staff must ensure that they explain the purpose and location of the outing. Suitable arrangements must be made for children who are not going on the outing. Children should be persuaded to participate in outings but alternative arrangements should be made if a child refuses to go.
In relation to children up to the age of 11 OFSTED guidance on ratios will be followed.
Due consideration should be given to a child with Special Educational Needs who may need a higher level of adult support. Each child with a Special Educational Need should be the subject of a Risk Assessment.
One member of staff must be responsible for the outing and a where there are more than 8 children a Second in Charge should be nominated. One member of the staff must be a qualified First Aider and carry a first aid kit. The person in charge must have a list of all children going on the outing with their emergency index cards.
The Playcentre staff should bear in mind the nature of the trip and the weather conditions so that the children have the appropriate clothing. For example Wellingtons or Sun hats.
Arrangements should be made regarding refreshments to ensure that the children are not hungry or thirsty.
In case of an emergency there must be at least one member of staff who remains at the Youth and Play Office who can act as a contact.
2. During the Outing
If there is more than one group of children a Keyworker should be appointed for each group. This person must have a written list of the children in their group. Arrangements must be made to keep in contact with the person responsible for the outing so that the person responsible is aware of the whereabouts of all children and adults. All staff must remain alert to the needs of the children.
The person responsible for the outing must identify a meeting point and this can also be used in an emergency.
Children should remain within their group with their keyworker at all times. The Keyworker must be able to see the children at all times. The Keyworker will maintain the register at regular intervals throughout the outing.
Children should not visit the toilet alone and this is the responsibility of the Keyworker. They have to make arrangements that all the children in the party are supervised when children visit the toilet.
If travelling on public transport the group will sit together whenever possible with an adult, with their allocated children.
3. On Return
Once the party returns to the Playcentre the register must be taken before the children are allowed to leave. If parents are taking their children home they must sign their children out on the register in the normal way.
After the outing has been completed the playcentre staff should evaluate the outing and consider what went well and what improvements could be made for future outings.
End