School trips are often one of the biggest highlights for children in an academic term! They are exciting, interesting, and everyone gets to hang out with their friends outside of school. It can also be a scary time for the parents, knowing that their children aren’t in on the site and are out in the world.
Let’s take a look at what parents need to know about school trips.
Why do Schools have Trips out?
One of the best ways to learn is by immersing yourself in something and experiencing it with your senses. Multi-sensory learning is an important part of school life and also of growing up! Being able to experience something first-hand and kinaesthetic learning (learning by doing) are fantastic ways to learn, and schools can facilitate that by having school trips out.
St Peter’s Prep offers a variety of trips around Europe, with some already included in the fees. This is a brilliant opportunity for children to be immersed in different cultures and get hands-on experience with the subjects they love, such as trips in art, history, sport and music. They are also completely prepared for their school trips through learning the language they will need to communicate in other countries, or the skills they will need for different activities, which enables children to enjoy them to the fullest.
Being able to participate in school trips means that children can improve their confidence and are able to explore the world at large, but also safely and in responsible care.
Read why the arts are important in education.
Who is Responsible on a School Trip?
First things first, the school is responsible for the health and safety of both the staff and the students that participate in a school trip. If you have any concerns regarding the trip, then it is well within the parent’s right to make enquiries about it regarding health and safety.
How do You Find out About a School Trip?
Most likely, the first you will find out about a trip is from a very excited child and in the Information newsletter! However, in a more official capacity, at St Peter’s Prep school, a parents meeting is held so parents can receive all the information they would need and also have the opportunity to see photographs from previous school trips. Parents are also supplied with kit lists so they know exactly what they need to get for their children’s trip.
Who Organises the School Trip on the Day?
Prior to the trip commencing, it will most likely be the school and staff that organise a school trip, but what happens on the actual day of the trip? Usually, schools will appoint a group leader who carries out a risk assessment. This ensures safety for everyone to proceed on the trip and eliminates any potential issues that could cause harm or injury.
Health and Safety on the School trip
All out-of-school trips will have a member of staff who is certified in first aid and a designated first aider. A fully stocked first aid box will be carried on all trips.
Schools should also always have emergency planning in place for when school trips are taken. This could be for a numerous amount of reasons such as a child or member of staff becoming injured, severe weather conditions or public health threats such as contagious viruses. These plans ensure that trips will go smoothly and safely for everyone.
Here at St Peter’s Prep independent pre-school in Devon, we know that school trips are really important to both children and their parents. To find out more, feel free to contact us here.
