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Description of Location
Minibeast collection takes place on the Centre field which is a fully enclosed fenced site. Collection is carried out on the field area close to the boundary fence where logs and stones have been placed.
Year Two and year one(summer term)
Very occasionally, with older Key stage one children, the activity may take place in an old quarry (now a nature reserve) within a heathland habitat. To reach study areas entails passing along some haul roads still used by vehicles going to and from the working quarry adjacent. Vehicles may be expected to be travelling through the area at some time during the activities. Parts of the journey involve passing over rough ground and through woodland. The site is of mixed topography, with some hilly areas and depressions, previously quarried areas and areas of open water and it is mainly covered by mixed woodland and scrub.
Likely Hazards
If collecting on the Centre site:
• Lifting of heavy stones and logs.
• Plants such as gorse and nettles.
• Children wandering out of sight of supervising staff.
AND
If travelling off the Centre site:
• Heavy plant equipment involved in the extraction of sand from the adjacent working quarry moving around the old quarry via various haul roads.
• Lorries moving around the old quarry site to collect and transport sand.
• Travelling over rough ground.
• Use and transportation of trays and clipboards.
Existing Precautions
• Children are informed of the dangers the may face on the journey through the area.
• They are involved in decisions on how they may best complete the journey in the safest way possible.
• Close proximity to heavy plant equipment and vehicles is avoided.
• When crossing the haul roads children are encouraged to treat the road like a main highway; crossing is only permitted when the road is clear after looking and listening.
• Children who behave in an unacceptable and unsafe manner will be excluded from the activity for the safety of others. They will not be allowed to leave the area until the activity has been completed by all the children and they can be properly supervised.
• The minimum required in a first aid kit will be carried at all times, including a mobile phone.
• Children will be required to walk at all times around the site and when taking part in the activities.
• Children will be instructed on safest and best use of equipment, and any misuse will be treated seriously.
• Various features of the minibeast collection site will be pointed out and discussed with respect to safety, i.e. careful movement around plants that may cause harm and how to lift and look under stones and logs without causing injury.
• Children will be instructed to stay within defined boundaries and always within sight of staff.
Additional factors that could be taken into account to reduce risks or risk factors
• Children may have some experience of minibeast collecting through previous training or undertaking this task at a different time.
• Experience in general aspects of road safety.
• Increasing the ratio of staff participating.
• Number of visiting staff who hold First Aid Certification.
• Ensure the adults with the party know and understand the schools policy on helping adults before the visit.
• Ensuring the activity provider has a thorough understanding of all your requirements for the activity, the numbers, age, general health (including disabled / handicapped within able bodied groups) of the pupils, and where necessary staff involved, ability range of pupils and those likely to cause problems.
• Consideration for the groups’ general safety, by excluding those likely to create a serious problem from the activity, or by specific control methods to be used for such pupils; i.e. 1:1 ratios with staff / helpers.
• Please also consider when making your assessments, as the generic one does not include, the competence, experience and qualifications of all supervisory staff sent by the schools.
• Does anyone on the trip hold First Aid certification?
• How long has the teacher in charge of each class been qualified?
• Has that person previous experience of organising / participating in a school trip?
• But above all... do the pupils understand what you expect of them from the visit? Have they, and how have they been prepared for this experience?
Last update: July 2007
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