St. Nathy's School Policies - Effective: September 2007

SCHOOL TRIPS & TOURS

1. INTRODUCTION:

1.1 St. Nathy’s College believes that students can derive a great deal of educational benefit from participating in school tours and field trips. Such activities give students the opportunity to engage in experiences not available in the classroom, and help develop a student’s imaginative skills, encourage greater independence and enhance the student’s social and cultural development. These guidelines are designed to help ensure that students stay safe and healthy as they enjoy the educational experiences of school tours and field trips.

1.2 Most school tours and field trips take place without incident. However, there is a growing concern about further ensuring the safety of students. These guidelines are not designed to discourage teachers, but to ensure that good planning and attention to safety measures are in place to prevent accidents and incidents and lessen the seriousness of those that may occur.

2. GENERAL:

2.1 These guidelines should be read in their totality, as there may be some overlap in the requirements for planning specific trips and/or activities. For example, when planning a trip abroad the section on Residential Trips will also be important.

PLANNING SCHOOL TOURS AND FIELD TRIPS

Outline the proposal to the Principal / BOM, seeking approval in principle.

Proposals to include:

	Objectives of the activity
	Likely date, duration and venue
	Student group, age profile and staffing requirement
	Resources required and estimate of costs
	How the activity will be funded

Planning

	Contact reputable tour operator/ service provider
	Contact venue. Is it suitable for the group?
	What are the transport options?
	Who will lead the group and who will supervise it?
	Who will pay for the activity?
	Risk Assessment

Substantive proposal to Principal/ BOM:

	Details of dates
	Risk assessment
	Emergency procedures
	Transport
	Insurance
	Costs
	Funding
	Composition of group
	Staffing

Shorter Trips

	Get parental consent for trips involving students up to age 18
	Inform parents of activity routine
	Brief students
	Engage in activity, monitoring risks at all times.

Residential – Abroad

Obtain approval from Principal/ BOM to prepare the visit subject to satisfactory preparation

Final Preparation

	Information to and from parents
	Briefing meeting with parents and students
	Secure full payment of costs
	Obtain final approval from Principal / BOM and parental consents
	Go on trip, monitoring the risks at all times

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