Outings policy

Outings policy

 

Aim of policy

 

To give clear guidance when taking the children out of the nursery on outings.

Castle Daycare & Preschool encourages appropriate outings for all children.  Regular walks and visits within the local community all contribute to a child’s learning.

Points to consider

For all outings on foot or by vehicle the following procedures must be followed:

·               Written permission must be obtained at the time of registration of the child.  Authorisation must be checked prior to the outing.

 

·         A risk assessment must be done prior to the outing – taking into account hazards such as transportation, live animals and zoos, illness etc.

 

·               Clear details of destination, route and expected times for arrival and departure should be left at the Nursery. 

 

·               Staffing ratios must be maintained at: 2-3 years maximum 10 children ratio 1:2. 3-5 years maximum 30 children ratio 1:4. 5 year plus, maximum 30 children ratio 1:8. Ratios stated are the maximum limits, smaller ratios maybe required. The Manager will decide on outings ratios on an individual basis after doing a risk assessment.

 

·               A first aider must be present and a suitable first aid box must be taken. Any treatments for allergies or medical conditions must be taken in a clearly labelled container with medicine administration form.

 

·               The senior person in charge must be aware of the lost/missing child policy and be confident to take appropriate action if needed.

 

·               Contact details, allergy information and any other relevant details on each child to be taken.

 

·               A member of staff must take a mobile phone with them in case of emergency.

 

·               The children must be counted before setting off (on the coach/mini bus if used) and counting must be ongoing at regular intervals throughout the outing. If the group is broken up into sub-groups a designated person in charge must be assigned and that person is responsible for counting the children at regular intervals.

·               A label must be attached to all children showing the name of the nursery and telephone number of the Nursery. Additionally it should also show the mobile telephone number of one of the staff members on the outing. This label must be displayed on the child in a manner which is visible and is not easily removed by the child.

·               Toilet facilities must be provided for the children at regular intervals.

·               Food and drinks must be provided at similar times to those in the Nursery and additional drinks should be offered if the weather is warm or if energetic exercise is part of the day.

·               Meeting points must be pre-designated and times arranged when all the party should assemble. These must be strictly adhered to.

·               Transport must be fully insured; drivers' details satisfactory and all seats must have 3 point safety harnesses or equivalent. The maximum seat capacity of the vehicle must not be exceeded.

·               All children should have spare clothing.

·               At the conclusion of each outing the staff member in charge will complete a review of the outing noting the following

·               Any particular problems with transport (e.g. coach arriving late, no seat belts etc).

·               Any particular problems with the venue (e.g. nowhere to shelter during rain).

·               Any particular problems with specific children (illness, distress, etc).

·               Educational benefits of the visit.

·               Comments from parents and recommendations for future visits.

 

Prior to each new outing the Senior Practitioner / Practitioner in charge of the outing will refer back to the reviews and take accounts of comments when preparing for the next outing.