Policy Statement

Children benefit from being taken outside of the premises on visits or trips to local parks, or other suitable venues, for activities which enhance their learning experiences. We ensure that there are procedures to keep children safe on outings; all staff and volunteers are aware of and follow the procedures as laid out below.

Procedures

• There is a designated lead for each excursion who is clear about their responsibility as designated lead.

• We ask parents to sign a general consent on registration for their children to be taken out on local short outings as a part of the daily activities of the setting.

• We assess the risks for each local venue used for daily activities, which is reviewed annually.

• We always ask parents to sign specific consent forms before major outings; and the risks are assessed before the outing takes place.

• Children with allergies or other specific needs have a separate risk assessment completed i.e. child with allergies visiting a supermarket.

• An excursion will not go ahead if concerns are raised about its viability at any point.

• Our adult to child ratio is high, normally one adult to three children, depending on their age, sensibility and the type of venue, as well as how it is to be reached.

• A minimum of two staff accompany children on outings. Unless the whole setting is on an outing, a minimum of two staff also remain behind with the rest of the children.

• Staff frequently count their designated children and ensure hands are held when on the street and crossing the road.

• Parents who accompany us on outings are responsible for their own child only.

• Outings are recorded in an outings record book kept in the setting, stating:

• The date and time of the outing.

• The venue and mode of transport used.

• The time of return.

• We take a mobile phone on outings, as well as supplies of tissues, wipes, spare clothing and nappies, medicines required for individual children, a mini first aid kit and water. The amount of equipment will vary and be consistent with the venue and the number of children, as well as how long they will be out for. We apply sun cream to children as needed and ensure they are dressed appropriately for the type of outing and weather conditions.

• We take a list of children with us with contact numbers of parents/carers, as well as an accident sheet and a copy of our Missing Child Policy.

• We provide children with ‘high viz’ vests to wear on local outings that contain the name and setting telephone number – but not the name of the child.

• We provide children with wristbands to wear that contain a staff name and the preschool mobile phone number for our spring and summer trips – they do not have the name of the child on.