Off Site Visits
Safety is our top priority even the shortest visits need to be thoroughly planned and requires its own risk assessment. All are off site visits for this age group (2yrs-3yrs old) are local. All visits our thoroughly planned and a risk assessment is carried out. A visit is made to all new places/venues.
The risk assessment includes details of the modes of travel, possible hazard areas and precautions to minimise the risks, staffing ratio, medical and special needs of pupil and staff, and staff telephone contact details. The risk assessment is reviewed before a second visit is made. The register is taken before the children leave the centre. The children our counted at regular intervals throughout the visit and on return. The children remain under supervision at all times.
Before the group/ party leaves the centre key person/ managers will provide a list/ register of everyone including adults travelling with the group/ party. Together with a time table/ programme for the offsite visit. The children are briefed in advanced about the visit. Parent/carers of children taking part in the offsite visits/activities should be provided with all appropriate information about the intended visit. Parent/carers must give their permission in writing before a child can be included in any off site activity .
The children leave the centre mostly in pushchairs, the children that walk, walk in pairs, hand in hand. When walking by roads an adult will walk in front, middle and behind. The children taking part in offsite visits are 2-3yrs old, the ratio is 1 adult and 4 children. There are always two key persons one designated as group leader for the visit. All adults accompanying a party/ group must be made aware by the managers of the emergency procedures which will apply. Each adult should be provided with an emergency phone and numbers.
This will normally be the manager’s number. Close super vision and proper protective clothing/ blankets and rain wear are essential for even the shortest visits/excursions. All key persons are qualified in paediatric first aid. If a child has a minor accident or becomes ill, the group leader or another member of staff will phone the child’s parent/carers emergency contact number at once and arrange for him/her to be collected. If contact cannot be made, the group leader, or another member of staff will take the child to the local hospital or, if the llness is more minor, back to school. A member of staff will remain with the child at the hospital or school until parent/carer arrives. A member of staff will carry a first aid kit at all times. If a child/children are on medication the nessecery forms are signed by parent/carer. Medison is named, dated and put in a bag/container and taken on offsite visit. The key member of staff will administer the medication to their key child, this is then reported on a medication form timed, dated and signed. A contingency plan is important because it is a what if plan.
A contingency plan is known as a plan B, a backup plan in case in case things go wrong. If the contingency plan is good then a plan c is not needed. Contingency plan is a plan put together (by the key person) for an outcome other than in the usual expected plan. Things seldom go exactly as we plan, so having an idea, something out of your control will sometimes happen. A contingency plan helps you navigate these potentially threatening moments and give you steps to do so in a practical manner.
Upon returning to school a review and evaluation should be carried out as soon as possible. A copy of the completed form should be given to the child co-ordinator within one week of your return to school. Leaders should also ensure that upon completion of a visit a complete file of names, addresses, insurance arrangements, contacts, procedures etc. is kept for at least 3 years. This information will be required if of any future claim, from any incident that may of occurred on the offsite visit.
