It is the responsibility of the Visit Leader to prepare a specific risk assessment for a One-off Day Visit.

Assessing and managing risk is an important aspect of young people’s development and involving children and young people in the risk assessment process should be an integral aspect of preparing them for an off-site visit. Having an understanding of the risks, and co creating relevant control measures with participants, is more likely to result in children and young people complying with those measures. Even the youngest learners can be involved in the risk assessment process – examples of this process can be found in the Involving children and young people in planning off-site visits Toolkit.

Visit Leaders are responsible for recording significant and foreseeable risks specific to their visit. This should take into account:

  • The participants (including leaders and helpers
  • The venue
  • The activity
  • Time of year
  • Getting there

The findings of the risk assessment and the relevant precautions/controls should be agreed with and understood by all participants including Visit Assistants (and parents where appropriate).

A One-off Day Visit is likely to involve going to visitor attractions such as museums, zoos etc. Such external providers are required to carry out a risk assessment of their own premises and activities. They must then implement appropriate measures to ensure that their activities are safe. There is no need for Visit Leaders to request copies of these risk assessments.

Sample risk assessments can be found within the Toolkits section of the website.