Published: 18 February 2005
Experiencing School Visits
Education and Skills Secretary Ruth Kelly has said that, from a geography field trip to a week at a residential activity centre, 'out of classroom education' can help bring a subject to life and that the government wants outdoor learning, including school visits, to be part of every pupil's experience.
Approximately 7 million pupil visits already take place every year meaning that thousands of pupils are going on visits every week.
In order to overcome the current problems that staff face in organising education outside the classroom, the Government says it has developed a three-step approach focused on:
- increasing staff confidence,
- cutting bureaucracy and
- enriching outdoor provision.
The government claims that
new detailed guidance (which will be
published in full this summer), covering the fair treatment of school staff (a key concern of teaching unions) will make clear and seek to ensure that:
- Staff who take reasonable care, and follow employer guidelines are, in the event of any unfortunate accident, protected by the law; and,
- By carrying out straightforward, compulsory safety checks teachers can protect both pupils and staff on a school visit and minimise the risk of litigation.
The guidance will also make clear that
employers must treat staff fairly when a pupil gets injured and that the
government expect parents to respond fairly too.
The Government says it wants Local Authorities to achieve a better balance between minimising red tape & paerwork, whilst ensuring that the necessary measures are taken to protect pupil health and safety.
Ruth Kelly said:
"The majority of schools already offer a range of outdoor learning including school trips that enrich the curriculum, build confidence and increase skills.
However, we know that some schools and staff would like re-assurance about their responsibility for pupil safety.
We want to make sure that all teachers have the confidence to continue offering these experiences and that everyone involved in a school trip, including parents, are aware of their rights and responsibilities."
With the new guidance in place the Government would like to see school visits become an important part of a young person's education. This will be a key aspect of the
new Manifesto for Education Outside the Classroom to be launched in the new school year.
Bringing together a range of stakeholders, the Manifesto is intended to:
- set out a joint commitment that all children should have the opportunity of a wide range of high quality outdoor learning, including at least one residential experience;
- encourage schools to partner with other schools and outdoor learning providers;
- encourage parents to take an active interest outdoor learning;
- set out a range of advice and support;
- provide information and good practice guidance on health and safety issues; and
- set out priorities for the development of outdoor learning.
Further information
Safety Council in Canada
Schooltrip.com website
Schoolzone - Will my union back me up? And Managing school trips
See 'related articles for other links
Related articles
School Trips and Safety
17/02/2005 - Source Correspondent
Educational Visits
08/10/2003 - Source Correspondent
Outdoor Education
04/10/2004 - Source Correspondent
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