EXCURSION POLICY

RATIONALE

Outings and excursions are an important way for children to form relationships with and learn about people, places, and things in their local community (Te Whāriki, 2017). Regular and spontaneous outings are part of this Centre’s local curriculum. For children to have optimal experiences it is important that teachers plan and carry out the excursions in a manner that will ensure safety and the children’s well-being.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this operational policy is to:

• ensure children’s safety during outings and excursions by meeting licensing criteria HS17.
• ensure first aid requirements are upheld on the excursion and at the Centre by meeting licensing criteria HS25.
• Meet National Education and Learning Priorities (NELP’s) objective one, Learners with their whānau at the centre of education.

PROCEDURE

At Curious Minds Early Learning, we recognize the importance of providing a variety of experiences.  

We believe that by giving children experiences with clear boundaries whereby they learn about road safety and an awareness of their own capabilities, they will feel competent and confident when out in the community.  Teachers follow strict processes to ensure the safety and well-being of all children and reduce risk.

Whilst on outings all requirements of the Privacy Policy are to be upheld.

Parent/s will be required to meet the cost of any outings unless otherwise advised.  Notice will be given of any cost involved and this money should be kept separate from fees.

Teachers will notify all parents of any excursions regular or special prior to leaving the Centre.

Permissions

• All excursions must be approved by the person responsible/ Centre Manager after being satisfied the excursion form is filled and risk assessment is completed.‍
• Regular excursions: Parents / caregivers give (or withhold) their written consent to regular excursions at the time of enrolment and are advised of excursion ratios. They are also informed any regular excursions are within a 15-minute walking distance of the Centre. Regular excursions do not require the use of public transport or vehicle of any sort. ‍
• Special excursions: Prior to each excursion – written consent (Appendix One) from parents/guardians must be obtained for the planned outing confirming the adult:child ratio and mode of transport.

Ratios

Applies to any occasion children leave the premises on an excursion:

• The adult:child ratios are not less than the required regulatory ratio. This applies to both the children on the outing as well as to the children who do not participate in the outing and remain at the centre.
• The desired ratios for children under two is 1:2 and over two 1:4 and 1:5 for children over 4 years of age.  
• Students and support workers are not included in the ratio.
• Any parents joining the outing will not be required to supervise a group on their own but can be counted in ratio.
• Appropriate ratios are maintained on trips and outings, taking into consideration the ages and developmental stages of children participating.
• In the event of the excursion being held in or near water, the Manager may set alternative, lower ratios for the excursion.
• If there are insufficient adults to meet the required ratios for either the excursion or the children remaining at the centre, then the trip will be cancelled/rescheduled.
• A person responsible (ECE qualified and certified teacher), who will also hold an up to date first aid qualification, must attend the outing.

Risk Assessment/ Hazard Analysis and Evaluation

• Prior to any excursion a full risk assessment and hazard analysis will be completed as per the excursion forms (Appendix Two)
• A copy of this will be taken on the excursion and another will be left at the Centre.
• A list of names of children and adults who went on the outing will be left at the centre for evacuation purposes.
• A review and evaluation of the trips are completed after the event in consultation with other staff members, and the information gathered from these trips will help to plan future trips.
• All excursion documentation will be filed in the appropriate folder (excursion folder or curriculum folder).

Excursion Supplies

The following items are taken on all excursions:

• Register of children attending.
• Local civil defence point for the journey and destination is identified on the excursion form.
• Emergency contact details.
• First Aid kit.
• Medication for children requiring it.
• Route plan.
• Mobile telephone (staff / centre).
• Spare change of clothes, nappies and wipes.
• Slings for the Under 2’s children only.
• Water, disposable cups and age appropriate snacks (documented on the excursion form).

Signing in and Out

• Only children with written permission from parents/ guardians will participate in excursions.
• All children attending excursions must be signed into the Centre as normal prior to the excursion or signed in on the children’s roll at the location if meeting there.
• If a child is not returning to the Centre because they have arrangements to be collected by a parent/guardian whilst on the excursion will be signed out as on the excursion register.

Traveling by Vehicle

• When travelling in motor vehicles, children are restrained in accordance with the Transport Act including the 2013 Amendment, in an approved restraint provided by parents/guardians.
• Persons driving motor vehicles will hold a full licence.
• Motor vehicles carrying more than 3 children must have at least 2 accompanying adults.
• All vehicles used in providing transport of excursions shall be up to road legal standards and will be displaying current warrants or certificates of fitness and display current vehicle registration.
• If travelling in a private vehicle the Private Vehicle must be completed (Appendix 3) and attached to the excursion form.