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

SCHOOL TRIPS & TOURS

SUPERVISION

3.1 It is expected that all school tours, field trips and extra curricular activities will be adequately supervised.

3.2 The following ratios should apply:

3.3 Students should not be brought swimming or on adventure type trips without a qualified lifeguard or other suitably trained personnel.

3.4 Personnel other than teachers volunteering to chaperone or supervise students should only do so if a teacher is also accompanying the group and if he/she has received Garda clearance with regard to working with young people.

3.5 The group leader must ensure that all supervisors understand their roles and responsibilities at all times and are fully briefed by the group leader before departure.

3.6 The group leader must ensure that all supervisors are made aware of their duties and responsibilities viz a viz student health, safety and behaviour prior to departure.

3.7 Regular head counting of students should take place, particularly before leaving any venue. All supervisors should carry a list of all students and adults involved in the activity. The group leader should establish rendezvous points and tell students what to do if they become separated from the group.

4. PREPARING STUDENTS

4.1 Students who are well briefed about an activity will make more informed decisions and will be less at risk. Students should clearly understand what is expected of them and what the activity will entail. They must understand what standards of behaviour are expected of them and why rules must be followed. Students should be made aware of any potential dangers and how they should act to ensure their own safety and that of others.

4.2 Students, whose behaviour is such that the group leader is concerned for their safety, or for that of others, should be withdrawn from the activity. On residential activities the group leader should consider whether such students should be sent home early. Parents and students should be told in advance about the procedures for dealing with misbehaviour, how a student will be returned home safely and who will meet the cost.

4.3 For some students an overnight trip may be their first experience away from home on their own and in the close company of other students. They should understand:

4.3.1 The aims and objectives of the trip/activity
4.3.2 Background information about the place to be visited
4.3.3 Basic foreign words and phrases where appropriate
4.3.4 Relevant foreign culture and customs
4.3.5 How to avoid specific danger and why they should follow rules
4.3.6 Why safety precautions are in place
4.3.7 What standard of behaviour is expected
4.3.8 Appropriate and inappropriate personal and social conduct
4.3.9 Who is responsible for the group
4.3.10 If on a foreign nip, items not to be brought back to Ireland
4.3.11 What to do if approached by anyone from outside the group
4.3.12 Rendezvous procedures, including time keeping
4.3.13 What to do if separated from the group
4.3.14 Emergency procedures, including telephone numbers, etc.
4.3.15 Pocket money and security of personal items
4.3.16 Maps and town plans, as appropriate
4.3.17 Limitations of movement, such as out of bounds areas

4.4 Remote supervision may have to take place on occasion. For example, when students are on shopping trips, certain adventure activities etc. Parents should be notified of this in advance. Students should be advised to stay in groups of at least 3 or 4 students, as appropriate and adequate arrangements should be made re: checking in with supervisors at given times.

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