School Tour Policy

KILBRIDE NATIONAL SCHOOL

Ní neart go cur le chéile

School Tours Policy

Introduction

This policy was formulated by the Staff and Board of Management of Kilbride National School.Taking into account the age and interests of the children and the curriculum being covered, school tours will be arranged by the school to present the children with a new environment in which they can observe, investigate and relate their findings to their own environment. Tours will be arranged by the teacher who holds the post of responsibility in consultation with the class teacher.

Transport

The post holder will ensure that:

Tenders are sought for all tours.
A form of transport, appropriate to the distance and the numbers travelling will be chosen.
The bus company/suppliers and drivers accept the conditions of hiring.

Conditions of Hiring

All transport supplied, will be suitable and well-maintained. All transport will be fully insured. Bus Drivers must be garda vetted and bus companies must be able to submit copies of garda vetting certificates on request.

Teachers have the right to refuse any bus they find unsuitable for their outing. If the bus proves unsuitable, a replacement will be supplied or the money refunded.

The driver will be used to dealing with children and have a thorough knowledge of and follow the itinerary and timetable for the tour. The driver is responsible for the safety of the children while they are travelling, but teachers have the right to intervene if it is felt the the safety of the children is compromised.

The group will have access to the bus for the full day.
If the weather conditions are unfavourable the group will have the use of the bus for sheltering or for eating lunch.
The consumption of food(snacking) and singing on the bus - at an acceptable level - will be at the discretion of the teacher in consultation with the driver.
Buses will be left as they were found.

Tour Kit

Leaders will take a tour kit on all outings. These will be available from the office. The kit will contain:

First aid materials, refuse and illness bags, newspapers, kitchen roll.
Maps of the locality, umbrella.
Money to buy Board of Management members coffee while on tour or a flask of hot water, tea bags, milk and biscuits.

Cost

The teachers will ensure that the cost of the tour is kept low and represents value for money. Teachers will ensure that any unnecessary costings will be avoided eg.goodie bags, presents, trips to McDonalds.

All children will be actively encouraged to save towards the cost of the tour.

Spending money

It is the decision of the Principal as whether children are permitted to bring spending money on the tour.

Venue

Tours will be booked early by the 31^st of March each year for a date as early as possible in June.Teachers will be conscious of the likely "busier" days. Not more than two classes will travel together, unless venue and transport arrangements warrant otherwise. Where more than one class travels, teachers will work together as a team to oversee supervision and the smooth running of the day.The teachers will ensure they are familiar with the venue, with particular reference to educational opportunities afforded, and services available (phone, toilets, emergency facilities). Where no phone facilities exist, teachers will have a pre-arranged plan to deal with emergencies.

Weather Conditions

Rain and head gear will be essential for all children and a change of clothes may be necessary, depending on the venue.

Tours list

The teacher, with the post of responsibility, will provide teachers with a list of suitable tours for all classes. The class teacher will pick a tour and must notify the teacher holding the post of his/her decision.This decision must be made before the 31^st of March each year. Teachers will ensure that venues are suitable for pupils with special needs.

Once a decision is made, it is final and cannot be changed.

Uniforms

Uniforms will be worn at all tours.

Reports

Where problems arise either with venue or transport teachers will report back to the tour organiser who will in turn discuss it with the Principal.

Conduct on Tours

Pupils’ behaviour on tours will comply with the standard set down in the School's Code of Behaviour. In certain circumstances parents may be asked to agree to a contract on behaviour. Where it is felt that a child's conduct would pose a safety risk or inhibit the educational benefit for self or others, the teacher may refuse the child permission to travel. Parents will be advised of this in advance.

Safety and Supervision

Teachers will be extra vigilant when taking children out of the school. Special attention will be paid to - Road Safety, Behaviour on bus, Risks posed by particular venues (e.g. adventure playgrounds etc.). The minimum supervision ratio will be 10:1 (adult).Only members of staff and members of the Board of Management are permitted to go on School Tours.

Informing Parents

Teachers will ensure that Parents are given sufficient notice of: