Policy on Outings

For all outings the following procedures must be followed

• Written permission must be obtained from all parents prior to the outing. (Unless we are just taking the children locally for a short walk, where consent on our admission form will suffice.)
• Staffing ratios must be maintained at:
  1:3 for children over the age of 2 years.
  1:2 for children under 2 years of age.
  Additionally, where possible parents should be encouraged to join in as they can be responsible for their own children and allow staff to concentrate on the other children.
• A first aider must be present and a suitable first aid box must be taken. Copies of registration sheets containing contact numbers, allergies, etc. must also be taken.
• The children must be counted before setting off (on the coach 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 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 member of staff in charge of the outing 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
• Recommendations for future visits.

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