Outings & Events

St James Cottage aims to provide outings and events in a safe, well planned and organised manner, which provides opportunities for children to learn through play.

Procedure

 

·         The organisation will consult with children, parents/carers and staff before planning an event or outing

·         The children's age, ability and stage of development will be considered when organising an event

·         Health and Safety, including staff ratios will be maintained during the event. Staff ratios may well be enhanced depending on the nature of the outing and the risks involved.

·         The organisation will carry out a risk assessment identifying potential hazards on the journey and at the location. Parental agreement slips will be attached to this risk assessment and stored after the outing has taken place.

·         Detailed information about the event will be distributed to all Parents/carers

·         The organisation will ensure that all necessary consent forms and relevant documentation are completed and returned to the group

·         If appropriate the organisers may do a pre-visit to the location

·         The organisation will ensure that the staff involved have the appropriate experience to organise an event

·         A qualified first aider in paediatric first aid will be in attendance.

·         Essential equipment will be carried on the trip including emergency contact details, mobile phone, first aid kit etc

·         Each member of staff  should have a list of all children with emergency contact numbers

·         A record should be kept of the vehicle, driver and insurance used for the trip.

·         The group leader should establish rendezvous points and tell children what to do if they get separated.

·         Regular head counts must be taken at each stage of the trip and particularly before leaving the venue

·         Badges with the Logo and nominated mobile phone number should be considered or alternatively coloured caps or other identifiers should be worn.

Lost Child Procedure on Outings

1.      Ensure the safety of the main group of children is assured by moving to a safe area with at least two staff.

2.      Detail any remaining staff to search for missing child, taking into account areas recently passed and likely areas of interest (river , ice cream van etc) for missing child . Use staff from outing venue if available.

3.      If the child cannot be found at this point then the Police will be notified.

4.      Thereafter, continue searching for child, ensuring that the exit to the venue is covered and that all means possible are used to find child, eg CCTV, Tannoy,

5.      Report back to main group at 15-minute intervals.

6.      Notify parent/carer when child is found