It is important to have a suitable ratio of adult supervisors to participants for any visit. The factors to take into consideration include:
- The participants, including Visit Assistants and Visit Leader (see Section 4.11)
- Previous experience (of participants and leaders)
- The venue
- The activity
- Getting there
- The time of year
- Medical and behavioural issues
Supervision ratios should be appropriate for the nature and aims of the visit, for the age and stage of the participants, and be agreed in the context of a risk assessment. The establishment of ratios is best determined through discussion between Heads of Establishment and Visit Leaders.
The Head of Establishment is ultimately responsible for ensuring and approving an appropriate ratio of adults, including Visit Leaders and Visit Assistants, to children and young people taking part. Specialist advice should be sought via the Employer depending on the circumstances.
