For those of you who might be new to the concept of a school trip, here are some good and practical words of wisdom! they might come in useful for the more experienced teachers too! (Main image from Scoil Treasa Naofa)
During the trip
- Regularly do a headcount of students, particularly when getting on and off transport-Bring a list of the students attending with contact details for their parents.
- Always get another member of staff to double check.
- Ensure reasonable supervision at all times. Allocate groups of students to individual staff members; this helps rapid communication of information.
- Ensure students understand and apply travel safety requirements, e.g. using seat belts on coaches and minibuses- Go through these basic rules before takeoff!
- Create positive relationships with coach drivers, hotel managers, tour reps and, above all, teachers from other schools! You need them on your side.
- Always keep students informed of reasons for delays or sudden changes of plan. This will keep most students quiet for a period of time!
- On arrival at the accommodation update your risk assessment. Insist on a fire practice if one is not organised. Check exits and entries to rooms.
- Advise students take care of their belongings.
- Arrange a meeting with students to reinforce the code of conduct, identify out of bounds areas, map out the programme for the day- The rules for the day should be discussed and understood before the day of the trip.
- Let the tour reps know of any concerns you may have, particularly if you think they compromise student safety.
- Do not change the planned programme, or accept enforced changes, without good reason.
- Consider the insurance implications of any change and your liability as Group Leader.
- Contact the parents if they are late.
As party leader, you have the ultimate responsibility in loco parentis. Be aware of this responsibility and what it means. The school trip is not the time to relax and have a cup of tea while you “let the children off”. Remind yourself of what a big responsibility it is but enjoy it! Trust the Leaders to do their job but keep an eye at all times!
