Outings Policy

When families join Bus Stop Pre - School they will be made aware of our policy regarding outings. We believe that being able to experience their local environment children can feel apart of their community and learn to keep themselves and their peer’s safe in the environment.

Bus Stop Pre - School’s insurance policy allows for children to be taken out of the pre-school building to participate on trips. Staff members ensure that health and safety guidelines are followed correctly.

Before any outing a risk assessment will be carried out by the designated health and safety officer – Kelly Haines. The risk assessment will help reduce risks to children and adults when off the pre-school premises.

Adult to child ratios will be maintained when going on any outing and child and staff/ student / volunteer record details will be taken. A first aid trained member of staff will be present on every outing and first aid equipment taken. Staff members carry mobile phone to use in the event of an emergency. In the event that a child goes missing the ‘Missing Child’s’ policy will take immediate affect. In the event of a medical emergency the ‘Emergency Medical and Treatment’ policy and procedure will take affect (Please see Missing Child’s policy and Emergency Medical and Treatment policy and procedure).

Bus Stop Pre – School Outings may include:

Walking to Polesden Lacey to look at the animals/minibeasts and to collect things of interest on the way.

Walking to the village to go to the shops.

Walking to the library.

Playing in the local park.

Trip to the farm.

Trip to Garson Farm to go fruit picking.

Our regular outings include weekly walks to Bookham library, walking to Polesden Lacey woodlands and using the equipment at Christie Recreational Play Park. Parents and carers are informed that the above mentioned outings are apart of our regular routine and may take place spontaneously throughout the week without prior notice. All parents/carers will be asked to sign a consent form at the beginning of every new pre-school year and/or when joining our setting, giving permission for their child to take part in these spontaneous outings.

At Bus Stop the children go on planned outings that relate to specific themes for example during harvest the children may visit the local bakery to buy bread rolls. For planned outings parents/carers are asked to sign a separate trip consent form related to the specific outing.

When going on a planned outings parents/carers will be notified through information on the termly newsletter, weekly email, notice board and through conversation with the Bus Stop team. Parents/carers will be made aware that if consent is not given, then they must make alternative arrangements for their child.

If an outing is planned that requires using transport parents/carers are asked to accompany their child.

When going on an outing the pre-school’s ‘Outing Bag’ will be taken. A member of staff will check the ‘Outing Bag’ before leaving the premises and replenish items before each outing. The bag includes the following items:

  • Child and Adult Record Information
  • First Aid Kit
  • Accident/Incident Forms and Pen
  • Spare Clothing
  • Wipes
  • Tissues
  • Mobile phone
  • Camera
  • Whistles
  • Potty and Potty Liners.

Procedure for Preparing for an Outing:

  • Risk assessment is carried out/reviewed,
  • Outing’s bag replenished,
  • Adults explain to individual/groups of children that they are going on an outing today and reassure children,
  • Children use the toilet,
  • Children put on appropriate clothing and footwear for trip/weather condition,
  • Children put on a bright fluorescent jacket. This is to ensure children are clearly seen by adults, members of the public and all types of transport,
  • Children brought together on the circle time rug,
  • Adults explain where they are going and remind children of ‘outing safety’ rules,
  • Children line up at the front door in pairs, creating a ‘Walking Bus’ line.
  • Children and adults assemble in their ‘walking bus’ line in the car park. One adult stands at the front, one adult is in the middle and one adult is at the end of the line,

Procedure when on an Outing:

  • A ratio of 1 adult to 4 children is maintained on outings,
  • Children and adults maintain the ‘walking bus’ line at all times,
  • Children are reminded to hold their partners hand,
  • Children are reminded of road safety, animal safety and stranger danger,
  • Children are praised and reassured when walking.
  • An adult will blow on their whistle in the event that they need to get children’s and adults attention quickly due to a danger.

If a child needs to use the toilet when on an outing every effort will be made to locate a public toilet, however if one cannot be located a member of staff will take the child to a private area to use the pre-school potty. Only staff members who hold an appropriate criminal record bureau check will be permitted to support a child when using the toilet. Students / Volunteers / Professionals are not permitted to take a child to the toilet at anytime.

This policy was up dated March 2011 to be reviewed September 2011.

Signed by Owner ______Manager ______