Giving more children and young people access to outdoor learning and play opportunities provides invaluable life experiences which could not be achieved without ‘going out there’ more regularly and more frequently.
Read moreAccidents and mistakes may happen on visits – but fear of prosecution has been blown out of proportion leading to a fear of taking children and young people off site and outdoors.
Read moreThe framework has been developed to enable its widest possible adoption, integrating support for employers with planning and provision at local authority level and with management, delivery and practice at establishment level.
Read moreThe framework is supported by tools, resources and accompanying examples of good practice for the planning and evaluation of different levels of outdoor experience and off-site visits, which are straightforward and user-friendly to apply.
Read moreThe ability and competence of front line staff to plan and manage a dynamic situation in a safe and appropriate way is the key contributor to safe and successful practice in the different levels of outdoor experience and off-site visits.
Read moreThe employer’s arrangements for planning, approval, monitoring, training and audit should support Heads of Establishment in assisting staff to lead outdoor experiences and off-site visits with increasing confidence and competence.
Read moreThe Head of Establishment, who approves each visit, should match the demands of the different levels of off-site visit to the competencies and experience of individual staff who may be interested in participating in off-site visits.
Read moreThe employer’s arrangements for planning, approval, monitoring, training and audit should provide Visit Leaders with ready access to their employer’s policies and guidance. This includes direct access to technical advice on visits and additional field monitoring assistance by a senior member of the establishment in some cases.
Read moreEmployers must prepare and communicate emergency procedures for all off-site visits. Emergency procedures are an essential part of planning a visit.
Read moreUnder the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 employers are responsible for the health, safety and welfare at work of their employees.
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