At The Nursery we offer children a range of local outings including walks and visits off the
premises. We believe that planned outings and visits complement and enhance the learning
opportunities inside the nursery environment and extend children’s experiences. We always
seek parental permission for children to be included in such outings.
Procedures
Visits and outings are carefully planned using the following procedures along with any local
and national guidelines, whatever the length or destination of the visit:
- A pre-visit checklist, full risk assessment and outings plan will always be carried out
by a senior member of staff before the outing to assess the risks or hazards which
may arise for the children, and identify steps to be taken to remove, minimise and
manage those risks and hazards. We will endeavour to visit the venue prior to the
visit. This will ensure that the chosen venue is appropriate for the age, stage and
development of the children - Written permission will always be obtained from parents before taking children out
- We provide appropriate staffing levels for outings dependent on an assessment of
the safety and the individual needs of the children. - At least one member of staff will hold a valid and current full paediatric first aid
certificate and this will be increased where risk assessment of proposed activity
deems it necessary - We designate one member of staff to be the outing leader; this may be the most
senior member of staff attending and it will be their role to take the lead in the event
of any emergencies and/or incidents (see Missing child from outings policy) and any
safeguarding or child protection concerns (see Safeguarding children and child
protection policy) - A fully stocked first aid box will always be taken on all outings along with any special
medication or equipment required - A completed trip register together with all parent and staff contact numbers will be
taken on all outings - Regular headcounts will be carried out throughout the outing. Timings of headcounts
will be discussed in full with the nursery manager prior to the outing - All staff will be easily recognisable by other members of the group; they will wear the
nursery uniform and high visibility vests or jackets - Children will be easily identified by staff when on a trip by use of a sticker system.
The nursery name, number and mobile number will be displayed - A fully charged nursery mobile phone will be taken as a means of emergency contact
(staff are reminded of the Mobile phone and electronic device use policy and asked to
leave personal phones at the setting) - In the event of an accident, staff will assess the situation. If required, the group will
return to nursery immediately and parents will be contacted to collect their child. In
the event of a serious accident an ambulance will be called at the scene, as well as
parents being contacted. One member of staff will accompany the child to the
hospital, and the rest of the group will return to the nursery.
Risk assessment and outings plan
The full risk assessment and outing plan will be displayed for parents to see before giving
consent. This plan will include details of:
- The name of the designated person in charge – the outing leader
- The name of the place where the visit will take place
- The estimated time of arrival at the place where they are visiting and expected time
they will arrive back at the nursery - The number of children, age range of children, the ratio of staff to children, children’s
individual needs and the group size - The equipment needed for the trip i.e. first aid kit, mobile phone, coats, safety reins,
pushchairs, rucksack, packed lunch etc. - Staff emergency contact numbers
- Method of transportation and travel arrangements (including the route)
- Financial arrangements
- Emergency procedures
- The name of the designated first aider and the first aid provision
- The name of the designated safeguarding lead for the outing
- Links to the child’s learning and development needs.
Use of vehicles for outings
- All staff members shall inform parents in advance of any visits or outings involving
the transportation of children away from the nursery - The arrangements for transporting children will always be carefully planned and
where necessary additional staff or volunteers will be used to ensure the safety of
the children. This is particularly important where children with disabilities are
concerned - All vehicles used in transporting children are properly licensed, inspected and
maintained - Regular checks are made to the nursery vehicle, e.g. tyres, lights etc. and a logbook
of maintenance, repairs and services is maintained - The nursery vehicle is to be kept in proper working order, is fully insured for business
use and is protected by comprehensive breakdown cover - Drivers of vehicles are adequately insured and due diligence checks are carried out to
ensure they are suitable and reputable - All vehicles used are fitted to the supplier’s instructions with sufficient numbers of
safety restraints appropriate to the age and/or weight of the children carried in the
vehicle. Any minibuses or coaches are fiMed with 3-point seat belts - When we use a minibus, we check that the driver is over 21 years of age and holds a
Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) driving licence. This en)tles the driver to transport
up to 16 passengers - When children are being transported, we maintain ratios.
When planning a trip or outing using vehicles, records of vehicles and drivers including
licenses, MOT certificates and business use insurance are checked. If a vehicle is used for
outings the following procedures will be followed:
- Ensure seat belts, child seats and booster seats are used
- Ensure the maximum seating is not exceeded
- All children will be accompanied by a registered member of staff
- No child will be lec in a vehicle unaMended
- Extra care will be taken when gedng into or out of a vehicle
- The vehicle will be equipped with a fire ex)nguisher and emergency kit containing
warning triangle, torch, blankets, wheel changing equipment etc.
Missing children
In the event of a child going missing, the Missing child from ou)ngs policy will be followed.
Any incidents or accidents will be recorded in writing and Ofsted will be contacted and
informed of any incidents.
There may be opportunities for parents to assist on outings. The manager will speak to
parents prior to the visit regarding health and safety and code of conduct.
In the event of an emergency
In the event of an emergency whilst out on a visit, we encourage staff to find a safe haven
and remain there until the danger passes. If necessary, the police will be contacted if it is
safe to do so. Each outing will have a detailed risk assessment, which covers all these risks
and is planned ahead.
This could cover other issues such as extreme weather or emergencies such as an ill or
injured child, etc.
We will contact parents of the children on the visit to confirm arrangements as soon as it is
safe to do so.
Ofsted will be contacted and informed of any incidents.
Further information can be found at: