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To be reviewed annually and to be read by all staff volunteers parents and students.

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1. Crossing the road

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It is important to remember that most injuries in a person’s lifetime can happen on the road while doing everyday activities such as walking around the town. The cars drive on the other side of the road in Europe and outside of the UK so it is even more important to look both sides before crossing. This is especially important when walking around in groups, at zebra crossings and busy towns or cities. As students and teachers from the UK it is instinctive to look right first and we need to look left then right then left again to be sure.

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2. Travelling by plane/ coach or ferry

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All students must wear seatbelts and this will be checked by staff members. Regular head counts are also made by teachers to make sure students are present. It is also important that students look after their valuables on the plane coach or ferry and they respect the coach driver rules on whether they can eat on the coach.

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3. In the hotel

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As soon as students arrive it is important that they read the health and safety notices. All hotels have safety notices, fire exits, safety equipment and evacuation signs and it is important that students and staff read these and understand.

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Students must agree with staff at an assembly point in case of an emergency and should meet at the assembly point in silence. Emergency telephone numbers, fire services and ambulance numbers are kept at the reception at the hotel.

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Smoking is not permitted in hotel rooms (nor at all on school or private trips). Students and staff must be aware that the main cause of fires in hotels is smoking and they must be made aware of the risks.

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Windows and balconies can also be a hazard. Students must take extreme care when near windows or balconies. It is important never to push someone near a balcony or window or lean. There is no access to balconies in the evening when students go to bed. Sensible behaviour is extremely important at heights.

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Electrical safety is also important in the hotel (hair dryers/ straighteners). All hotel guests must remember never to touch electrical appliances with wet hands. It is important not to overload the electrical system and report all hazards immediately to the hotel staff or group leader. Security with valuables is essential when on a school trip and in the hotel. It is encouraged that students to not bring extremely expensive valuables but if they have valuables to keep them safe and lock their rooms or use a lock box if provided.

 

Swimming pool rules must be followed according to the school protocol and borough. In Essex for example students are not allowed to swim in a pool without a designated lifeguard so students and teachers must follow these rules abroad. Style of dress in Europe can be different to the UK. Therefore it is important that students dress appropriately for a school trip and especially when visiting towns with churches and religious sites be covered appropriately.

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4. Conduct on excursions and risk assessments

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According to British law teachers taking students on trips and abroad are acting in ‘loco parentis’. This means that students must listen to teachers and group leaders who are looking out for the students and put their best interest at heart. Teachers and Groups leaders are responsible for the safety of students and updating the risk assessment as necessary. It is imperative that students listen carefully to instructions and this includes not listening to music or on their phones when teachers are giving instructions.

 

5. Town/city and road safety

 

It is important that students are always in groups if they are given free time around the town usually this would be minimum in a group of three. Students must also be wary of theft and pickpockets and not keep their phones and wallets visible when walking around the streets or in towns. It is also important not to talk to strangers even when it seems innocent such as someone asking for directions or asking for money.

 

6. Curfew times/ lights out/ alcohol and drug abuse

 

Students must follow staff instructions when it comes to Curfew times as sometimes the curfew may vary depending on whether there is a big day of travel or early get up. Students must also be in their bedroom at the correct time and not be wandering into each others rooms after lights out as this can be disruptive both to staff and to staff as well as a safety concern. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed under any circumstances and there will be serious consequences and parents will be called immediately. It is strictly forbidden by law to drink or take drugs being under eighteen.

 

7. Protective sunhats/sunscreen/ clothing

 

Teachers and group leaders may recommend wearing sun hats/sunscreen due to hot weather and to prevent sunstroke or burning. It is essential that students pack these things and also listen to their teachers if the weather deems to be of safety concern.

 

8. Hygiene

 

It is important for students to wash their hands before eating food. School trips are usually very busy with visits and transport and it is important to be careful of germs. It is also important to keep bedrooms tidy as this can lead to accidents if clothes and equipment is left all over the floor.

 

9. Medical Precaution

 

All pre-existing medical requirements must have been filled in by parents for students and all medicine must be correctly labelled and taken on the school trip. Depending on the medicine this should be kept either by the teacher/ group leader or by the student in a safe place where it can easily be accessed. It is also important the students inform their teacher or group leader immediately if they feel unwell both at night or during the day for their safety.

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10. Risk Assessment

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All trips have had a completed risk assessment completed by Reviseaway and the Trip Leader.