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

SCHOOL TRIPS & TOURS

GUIDELINES FOR SPECIFIC TOURS / ACTIVITIES

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES

1. The group leader should check and agree the provider’s arrangements for supervision and recreation during the evenings and between adventure activities. The group leader should also provide any relevant information to the provider such as the group’s age-range, competence, accompanying adults, etc.

2. The group leader/teachers retain ultimate responsibility for students during adventure activities, even when the group is under instruction by a member of the provider’s staff. This also applies to some residential and day trips. The provider is responsible for the safe running of the activity. Everyone, including the students, should have a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the school staff and the provider’s staff.

3. The group leader/teachers should have sufficient information on what each activity involves before it takes place. They should approach the instructor at an appropriate safe interval if they are concerned that the students may be at unnecessary risk Assurances may be sought that the provider has:

3.1 Checked the suitability of staff/temporary workers to work with young people.
3.2 Clearly defined the roles and responsibilities of its staff
3.3 The appropriate security arrangements.
3.4 Appropriate Public Liability Insurance.

4. The Board of Management should satisfy itself that:

4.1 The group leader and other supervisors are competent to act as leaders and/or instructors of students in a given activity. Competences should be demonstrated by holding the relevant certification, where it exists.
4.2 The group leader is competent in safety procedures and the planning of adventure/activities/trips.
4.3 Appropriate risk assessment has been carried out.
4.4 The supervision will be appropriate.
4.5 There is adequate first aid provision, expertise and equipment within the group.
4.6 The emergency procedures include activity-specific measures and that supervisors/providers are competent to carry them out.
4.7 The equipment is appropriate, safe and in good condition.
4.8 Every student is suited to the activity and is properly briefed, prepared and equipped.

5. Some adventure activities, such as those under the Gaisce Awards, may require students to work without direct supervision. Particular attention should be given to the information and training provided to students before supervision can be withdrawn. Parental consent must be sought.

5.1. The information and training should be provided by appropriately qualified personnel. The project leader should be satisfied that the students have the necessary experience, confidence, physical ability, judgment and skills to be left without direct supervision.

6. Withdrawal of supervision should be a gradual four stage process.

6.1 Accompanying the group.
6.2 Shadowing the group.
6.3 Checking regularly at agreed location
6.4 Checking occasionally at agreed locations.

7. Students should be familiar with all equipment used or taken without direct supervision, and in addition to training, an initial element of adult supervision in the use of equipment may be required. The condition and suitability of any equipment, particularly safety equipment, taken or used during these activities should be assessed separately.

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