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Description of Location
The children are taken on a short walk into a conifer wood on an old quarry, now a nature reserve. 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. They collect natural things into a pot to make a smelly spell.
Likely Hazards
• Plants that could cause harm such as gorse and nettles.
• Children wandering out of sight of supervising staff.
• Travelling over rough ground.
• Fingers in mouths
Existing Precautions
• Visiting school is asked to inform centre staff of any allergies suffered by children in their class.
• Children are placed in a group with an adult leader.
• Children are instructed to stay close to their adult at all times whilst moving around on site and in the nature reserve.
• Children will be instructed to stay within defined boundaries and always within sight of staff.
• Children will be required to walk at all times around the site and when taking part in the activities.
• Children are informed of the dangers the may face on the journey through the nature reserve, e.g. the pond, branches near faces in wood.
• They are involved in decisions on how they may best complete the journey and activity in the safest way possible.
• 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.
Additional factors that could be taken into account to reduce risks or risk factors
• Children may have some experience of collecting materials through previous training or undertaking this task at a different time.
• Increasing the ratio of staff participating.
• Number of 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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