It is the time of year that many services are preparing for their annual school tour or outing.
Here is a basic checklist that may help you prepare
- Risk Assessment of Venue and Mode of Transport
The location for the outing should be familiar to staff and a risk assessment should be carried out prior to the visit with the children. Risk assessment forms should be completed and kept for inspection. A risk assessment of the mode of transport should also be carried out. - Method of identity
Make sure you have some way of identifying children on an outing. Remember a lot of children wear the High/Vis jackets and if you are in a venue where there are lots of children, you may need additional methods of identifying your group (e.g. coloured hats). - Missing child
Everyone’s worst nightmare. Make sure this is part of your outings policy and that all staff are aware of what to do in the event of a critical incident. Tusla recommend taking a group photograph in advance of the outing - Consent form signed by parents/guardians
A consent form must be given to and signed by a parent/guardian for trips or outings and retained in the child’s file for inspection. - Contact numbers for each child — parents/guardians
All contact numbers should be stored in the phone and be available during the outing. - Mobile phone
Ensure it is charged properly and if credit is needed that there is plenty of credit in the phone. All contact numbers should be stored in the phone. - Money
You should always have some cash with you - Food/snacks and plenty of fresh water
If it is a hot day these should be chilled before leaving. - Sun cream and sun hats or rainwear
Depending on the weather. - A watch with the correct time
Before leaving the staff should say what time they will be returning and if the time runs late they should ring the manager to inform them of this.Always bring a good supply of tissues or baby wipes - First Aid Kit and First Aider
Always bring a small travel first aid kit. A qualified first aider should always accompany the children. Don’t forget any medication for children with identified conditions. - Buggies
Even if children are old enough to walk, it is important to have at least one buggy in case a child gets tired.
