Amberley O.S.H.C.

Children are our future, We are dedicated to their success!

3.5 Excursions

Amberley O.S.H.C. will include excursions as a valuable part of its overall program.  Excursions will provide enjoyment, stimulation, challenge, new experiences and a meeting point between Amberley O.S.H.C. and the wider community.  Risk assessments will be conducted with all safety precautions identified and maintained, and parent permission obtained before a child is taken on an excursion.

Relevant Laws and other Provisions

The laws and other provisions affecting this policy include:

  • Education and Care Services National Law Act, 2010 and Regulations 2011
  • Family and Child Commission Act 2014
  • Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and Regulations 2011
  • ‘My Time, Our Place’ Framework for School Age Care
  • Duty of Care
  • NQS Area: 1.1; 1.2; 2.1.1, 2.1.2; 2.3.1, 2.3.2, 2.3.3; 4.1; 6.1.2; 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.2.1, 7.3.1, 7.3.2, 7.3.5.
  • Policies: 2.3 – Educator Ratios, 3.1 – Educational Program Planning, 3.6 – Transport for Excursions, 3.11 – Escorting Children, 10.9 – Risk Management and Compliance.

 Procedures

Children’s age, interests and abilities will be taken into consideration when planning excursions.

Comments and suggestions from children and families will also be taken into account.

When planning excursions, venue and transport costs will be considered, to ensure that excursions are financially accessible to all families.

Alternative arrangements will be planned in case of changed weather conditions.

The Management Committee will approve all excursions.

When planning an excursion that includes water-based activities, the Risk Assessment Officer will conduct a risk assessment including strategies and procedures for managing children whilst undertaking such activities.  Strategies could include the involvement of qualified educators and supervision management plans.

Limited bookings impacting viability may result in the excursion being cancelled.  The Bookings and Cancellations Policy (see policy 2.14) will apply to all excursions.

 Prior to excursion:

The Nominated/Certified Supervisor or nominated person will contact by phone or visit the excursion venue and perform a risk assessment.  As per the National Regulations, the risk assessment must consider:-

  • The proposed route and destination for the excursion;
  • Any water hazards and/or risks associated with water-based activities; and
  • The transport to and from the proposed destination for the excursion; and
  • The number of adults and children involved in the excursion; and
  • Given the risks posed by the excursion, the number of educators or other responsible adults that is appropriate to provide supervision and whether any adults with specialized skills are required (eg life saving skills); and
  • The proposed activities and duration of the excursion; and
  • A list of items that should be taken on the excursion (eg mobile phone, emergency contacts).

Parent permission forms will be required to be signed by a parent/guardian prior to every excursion.  The permission form will contain the following information as a minimum:

  • Excursion date;
  • Destination;
  • Method of transport and approximate travel time;
  • Number of accompanying educators and/or volunteers;
  • Departure and return times, and
  • An expected itinerary of the activities to be undertaken.
  • There will be no changes to the notified itinerary except in an emergency and in particular to ensure the well being and safety of the children.
  • Adequate steps will be taken when selecting transport. (See Policy 3.6 – Transport for Excursions).
  • All Educators attending the excursion must read and sign off on the relevant and specific excursion risk assessment/s, prior to attending on the day.
  • The Nominated/Certified Supervisor will ensure the excursion checklist is completed prior to departing for the excursion.

During the Excursion

The following items will be taken on all excursions and be readily accessible to Educators at all times:

  • First aid kit, medical devices, medications and forms and medical management plans as required;
  • Attendance record/roll and staff roster;
  • Emergency contact numbers/enrolment forms;
  • A telephone or access to one.

The service camera will be taken on the excursion for educators to record and document children’s experiences.

Head counts will be made at regular intervals and when moving from one area to another.

Educators will supervise children, ensuring educator/child ratios are maintained at all times.  This includes in toilets and change rooms.

Educators will satisfy themselves that the environment is safe for use before allowing the children access to it.

Children will not be left in the sole care and custody of bus drivers or any other persons during excursions; educator ratios for the Service will continue to apply during excursions (see Policy 2.3 – Educator Ratios).

In the event of injury occurring during an excursion, procedures as set out in the Illness and Injury Policy (see Policy 4.5) will be followed.

 After the Excursion

Educators will complete an excursion evaluation form and give to the Nominated/Certified Supervisor for review.

At the next team meeting, the excursion will be reviewed and evaluated to ensure learning outcomes were met.

Reviewed and Updated 9 February 2015, Updated 12 May 2015, Reviewed and Updated 9 May 2017


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