The RoSPA are clear about the benefits of a school trip. As well as being a welcome break from the school routine, school visits enable pupils to learn new skills, gain fresh understanding and develop positive attitudes towards their environment, their peers and their teachers.
Despite this, many teachers fear the consequences of an injury to a child during a school trip – including the possibility of civil litigation for damages and criminal prosecution for health and safety offences e.g. under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
The DfE Health and Safety of Pupils on Educational Visits Handbook is packed with practical information and advice for group leaders organising an educational visit. Child Wristbands are a simple, tool which can help address a number of recommendations made in the handbook.