| I. Introduction
At St Philip Neri Catholic School we believe that learning should be meaningful and relevant and that children need to be actively engaged in the learning process. Excursions are learning experiences that can enhance the child's understanding of curriculum through hands on activities, and through the opportunity to participate communally in a variety of educational, social and physical experiences. This excursion policy covers all education and recreation excursions and all water activities undertaken by St Philip Neri Catholic School staff and students.
2. Purpose
At St Philip Neri Catholic School we believe that child centered learning needs to take place in a safe and secure environment. Our duty of care is to ensure that all children and staff are protected from risks to health and safety.
3. Outcomes
| 3.1 |
To provide staff with a set of standard guidelines to be followed for all excursions |
| 3.2 |
To establish criteria regarding the educational value of excursions. |
| 3.3 |
To ensure the safety and health of children and staff while on excursions. |
| 3.4 |
To provide opportunities for parents to receive all the information and timing of excursions well in advance. |
It is to be implemented so that the school's duty of care of students is properly discharged and to meet the guidelines recommended by the Catholic Schools Office, Broken Bay and Catholic Church Insurers.
References
Catholic Schools Office Policy Supervision of Educational/ Recreational Excursions and Water Activities
St Philip Neri Catholic School Pastoral Care and Behaviour Management Policy
Occupational Health and Safety of Students and Staff Policy Implementation
General Principals:
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Excursions are learning experiences initiated, organised and supervised by the School staff that are external to the school site and are approved by the school Principal. |
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An excursion should be specific to the school's curriculum. |
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An excursion can range from a brief visit to a local point of interest to an extended journey, which may include overnight accommodation. |
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Excursions will take place during the school week. |
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All students should be given the opportunity to participate. |
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The ratio of student/teacher and student/adult supervisor will vary according to the nature of the activity, the maturity of the students, the activities planned and the anticipated behaviour of students so as to ensure the adequate safety of the students involved. An approximate guide for primary classes is 1:10 and for infants classes 1: 6. The ratio of teachers/adults will increase as the risk increases e.g. swimming or water activities. |
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All excursions to locations involving water activities must be accompanied by a teacher/supervisor with current emergency care qualifications. |
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Information regarding each child's medical needs and an emergency phone number should be listed on a class list and will be in the possession of the teacher. For overnight excursions Medicare number, expiry date and permission to seek medical advice should be listed on the permission form. |
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Prior to the planned excursion a risk assessment needs to be carried out to ensure the safety of children and staff. (Appendix E) |
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Parents are charged an annual fee that is intended to cover excursion costs. |
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Planning of excursions should take this into consideration. |
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Students must only engage in the activities specified on the permission form. |
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Private bus, ferry, public or rail are the normal modes of transport. |
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In special circumstances a private vehicle may be used under the following conditions:- |
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1. |
Vehicle must have a functioning seatbelt for each passenger |
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2. |
Driver has a current license and is known to the Principal as a proper supervisor of children (Child Protection Approval) Parents have given permission for travel by private transport Driver is aware of the legal ramifications |
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3. |
School Secretary needs to take a photocopy of the drivers license and comprehensive insurance policy. |
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Procedure
| 1. |
Prior to the excursion taking place there must be consultation between staff members concerned and the Principal. |
| 2. |
An excursion plan must be completed and given to the Principal for approval. (Appendix A - Excursion Planning Sheet) |
| 3. |
The school secretary will be informed (minimum of 4 weeks) of the planned excursion with sufficient notice so as to make bookings, arrange transport and check financial details. (See Appendix A - Excursion Planning Sheet) |
| 4. |
Parents must be informed in full detail in writing of any planned excursions. Details will include the nature of the planned activities, the purpose of the activity; destination, mode/modes of transport, departure and return times and any other arrangements. (Appendix B - Excursion Note) |
| 5. |
A signed consent form from parents/ guardians is required for each student attending.(Appendix C Permission Note). Verbal approval may be sought when it is not possible to obtain a signed consent form. The class teacher will keep a record of verbal approval. It will include: - time, date, person spoken to, witness. |
Responsibilities
Principal
| 1. |
The Principal needs to give permission for the excursion to take place. |
| 2. |
The Principal needs to sight and approve the Excursion Planning Sheet. |
| 3. |
The Principal needs to ensure a risk assessment has been carried out in order to ensure student and staff safety. |
Teachers
| 1. |
Staff member/members must inform the Principal of the proposed excursion and complete the Excursion Planning sheet. |
| 2. |
Staff member/ members are responsible for making bookings with the venue of the proposed excursion. |
| 3. |
Staff member/members must speak to the school secretary to arrange transport quotes and bookings. |
| 4. |
A permission note needs to be sent home giving full details in writing of the planned excursions. Details will include the nature of the planned activities, the purpose of the activity, destination, mode/modes of transport, departure and return times and any other arrangements. (Appendix B - Excursion Permission Note) |
| 5. |
Permission notes need to be kept in the office and any relevant details noted on a class list e.g. medical details, emergency numbers. |
| 6. |
Teacher accompanying students on overnight excursions should have an current CPR certificate. |
| 7. |
Adult supervisors need to be contacted and given the relevant information. |
| 8. |
On the day of the excursion the staff member needs to have a first aid kit and a mobile phone for emergency use. |
| 9. |
Children could have a tag with the school or mobile phone number on it if desired. |
| 10. |
Check that your playground duties have been covered. |
| 11. |
Set work for any child not attending and arrange for their supervision. |
Parents
| 1. |
Complete the necessary permission form fully and return the permission form to school prior to the excursion. |
Children
| 1. |
Children are expected to return permission notes to the classroom teacher. |
| 2. |
Children need to bring a suitable bag for the excursion and the necessary materials and clothing. |
| 3. |
No glass bottles are permitted. |
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