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

SCHOOL TRIPS & TOURS

GUIDELINES FOR SPECIFIC TOURS / ACTIVITIES

RESIDENTIAL TRIPS

1. Issues for the group leader to consider include:

1.1 The group should ideally have adjoining rooms with teachers’ quarters next to the pupils. The group leader should obtain a floor plan of the rooms reserved for the group’s use in advance.
1.2 There should be a reasonable pro-rata gender balance of teachers for mixed gender groups.
1.3 Ideally each room should have en-suite facilities, but as a minimum requirement there should be separate male and female bathroom facilities for students and adults.
1.4 The immediate accommodation area should be exclusively for the groups use.
1.5 There should be safe heating and ventilation.
1.6 The entire group should be aware of the layout of the accommodation, its fire precautions/exits, and its regulations and routine.
1.7 Where the reception area in a particular building is not staffed 24 hours a day, appropriate security arrangements should be in force to stop unauthorised visitors.
1.8 The manager of the accommodation should be asked, through the tour operator, for assurances that the staff including temporary workers, has been checked as suitable for work with young people.
1.9 Locks on doors should be operable in all rooms, but appropriate access should be available to teachers at all times.
1.10 There should be adequate space for storing clothes, luggage, equipment etc. and for the safe keeping of valuables.
1.11 There should be adequate lighting at all entrances, corridors and rooms.
1.12 There should be provision for students with disabilities.
1.13 Balconies should be stable, windows secure and electrical connections safe.
1.14 Where possible students should not be lodged in ground floor rooms.
1.15 The fire alarm should be in certified working order throughout the building.
1.16 There should be recreational accommodation/facilities for the group.
1.17 The hotel/hostel management should undertake not to supply or sell alcohol or tobacco to students.
1.18 There should be an appropriate number of group supervisors on standby every night.
1.19 A curfew time of not later than 9:00pm should be set for students.
1.20 The easy accessibility of medical personnel/facilities.

2. The group leader should confirm, prior to departure, that the hotel/hostel has proper and accessible fire exits and that it meets local regulations. After arrival fire evacuation procedures should be outlined to the students.

3. The group leader should also confirm, prior to departure, that the hotel/hostel meets all local hygiene regulations.

<<<< Back