Heads of Establishment are expected to follow and implement this guidance to ensure their responsibilities are fulfilled and that outdoor learning experiences and off-site visits can occur frequently and regularly and are managed safely. Heads of Establishment should ensure that the Visit Leader is competent to manage and monitor the risks throughout the visit.
Heads of Establishment should also ensure that:
- The visit has suitable aims and effective ways of achieving them
- Appropriate child protection procedures are in place
- An appropriate risk assessment has been completed and proportionate safety measures are in place
- The needs of the staff and participants, including training needs, have been considered
- Parents have been appropriately informed
- The Visit Leader and accompanying adults have suitable experience, competencies and, where required, qualifications and Disclosure Scotland checks for the visit
- Visit Leaders are allowed sufficient time to organise visits properly
- Visit Assistants and other accompanying adults in a supervisory role are appropriately recruited and briefed (see Section 4.12)
- The ratio of other accompanying adults to participants is appropriate (see Section 4.3)
- The Employer has approved the visit, if appropriate
- Arrangements have been made for the medical needs and additional support needs of all the participants
- The Employer’s policy on the administration of medicines has been followed
- Adequate first aid provision will be available
- The mode of travel and travel arrangements are appropriate
- There is adequate and relevant insurance cover in place
- Suitable contact arrangements are in place
- The emergency arrangements are in place and have been communicated to those who need to know
- There is a contingency plan, with clear lines of responsibility, which will cover incidents such as adverse weather, travel delays including a late return home
