Shandrum National School

Excursion Policy

This policy was drawn up by the Principal and Staff of Shandrum N.S. It complies with DES circulars, INTO and CPSMA guidelines and the Education Act.

Aims

We see excursions as an enjoyable part of the learning process. They help towards the pupil's full potential and increase motivation and interest for learning. They encompass the environment, local and otherwise as a valuable learning resource and as set out in the new curriculum guidelines. To help reduce exposure of children to risk on outings refer to circular 12/79. "The objective of educational tours for schools should be that they be of benefit to the intellectual, cultural and social development of the pupils taking part in them, and any activity in connection with a tour, which is in conflict with this objective, is to be avoided".

Rationale

§ To promote the safety of all pupils on school outings and excursions. To ensure good organisation of all school excursions.

§ To promote the educational value of the trips.

§ To ensure good practice framework in place to cover all eventualities.

Excursions

At present the school embarks on a variety of trips throughout the school year.

§ Trips to the GAA field for P.E. lessons

§ Trips to the local hall for special events - concerts, visits from theatrical companies, etc.

§ Nature walks

§ Field trips - (Doneraile Park, Local history trips, Lifetime lab. Cork, Milistreet Park etc.)

§ Trips to the local church and parish church for Communion/Confirmation/School Mass practices.

§ Visits to Galleries, local business of interest

§ Swimming in Mallow swimming pool.

§ Other games events

§ Orienteering

§ Pantomime

§ School tours

Guidelines

Permission

Permission from the Board of Management is sought at the initial meeting of the school year for all such events.

Participation

All pupils are expected to partake in these activities during school hours.

Information

Parents are informed of the excursions well in advance through a letter given to pupil at school and signed form indicating their consent to the pupil going in the trip, this also gives the teacher the right to administer first aid if necessary.

Supervision

All pupils are expected to comply with the direction and orders of the staff (guide, bus driver, instructor, etc). A high standard of co-operation is expected at all times from all involved. The level of supervision required is the same as for other activities, in and out of school. Any child who doesn't adhere to the rules will be withdrawn from the group at the discretion of the teacher.

Transport

A bus may be organised to the event or, occasionally, parents may be requested to help out in the provision of cars for drives. All parents have been invited to be Garda Vetted through the school. The school acknowledges that the law states that younger children must have booster seats as set out in the guidelines and will comply with the law.

Finance

Use may be made of sponsorship/parents contributions/ Parents Association fund to pay/subsidise the cost of these events.

Special Needs

Pupils with special needs, especially physical disabilities, will be catered for in as far as is possible and in consultation with the parents.

Emergencies

Permission given in the initial enrolment form to do with medical emergencies will also apply on school tours.

Communication

Teachers will have a mobile phone and will inform parents near school if there is a delay.

Tour structure

Tour will be structured to provide educational aspect in addition to an entertainment and recreational value.

Shopping

No unplanned stops at shops are allowed.

Supervision

Support/Resource teacher, if necessary, accompany school outings as well as SNA's and these will help to ensure supervision/safety of pupils.

Bus

It is vital that children remain seated while bus is in motion and wear seatbelt.

Roll Call

A roll call/head count is taken when children return to bus after each tour segment.

Success

These excursions will enhance the pupil's learning by providing an enriched basis for learning. Positive feedback through discussion, project work, reports, etc. will be undertaken. Future organisation will be improved from this process and any alterations needed to ensure success and safety for a trip will be noted.

Roles and Responsibility

The class teacher in association with the principal and with the permission of the Board will plan the excursion and set down the particulars for the trip, i.e., clothes, food, money, transport, collection of pupils, time of departure, trip details, etc. The parents and pupils will be informed of same.

Time of Implementation

This policy was passed by the Board of Management at a meeting on 20/12/2007. It was reviewed in 2012 & June 2017.

Review

It will be reviewed again as necessary or within 3 years.

Chairperson: Fr. Gerard Coleman