Jesters Kids Club Visits & Outings Procedure

Jesters believes that visits and outings play an important and enriching role in the programme of activities that we provide for children. However, during such events, the safety of children remains paramount.

Prior to a visit or outing, if logistically possible, a member of staff will carry out an exploratory visit of the proposed destination so as to pre-empt any potential difficulties.

The Director will ensure that a thorough risk assessment has been carried out prior to the proposed visit of an outing, according to the provisions set out in the Risk Assessment policy. This should include consideration of the journey and any transportation involved. If a prior visit is not possible, the Director will write to the venue requesting all relevant information and a risk assessment statement where available.

Jesters will make every effort to involve children in the planning of a visit or outing. Staff will explain to children the aims and objectives of the event, along with what is expected of them in terms of their behaviour and contribution.

Children will be talked through any potential safety hazards and told to remain with staff at all times. Staff will explain to children what to do in an emergency, including designating a suitable meeting point.

Parental Consent
No less than two weeks before a proposed visit or outing, Jesters will send a letter and the Visits and Outings Form (see Appendix One) to parents/carers giving them detailed information about the proposed event. This will include a full programme of activities, any costs involved, an outline of any journey involved and the mode of transport being used as well as approximate arrival and departure times.

Parental consent is needed for all off-site visits and outings. The Team Leader will take a photocopy of the signed Visits and Outings Forms on the trip while the original will be stored in the Club’s records.

Parents/carers have the absolute right to withhold consent for a proposed visit or outing. No child who does not have a signed consent form will be allowed to participate.

During visits and outings
On visits or outings, the staff to child ratio will be 1:8, unless all children are over 10 in which case it can be 1:10; subject to the nature of the activity and the risk assessment.

 Children will remain under close supervision at all times.

 The Team Leader will ensure that a full First Aid kit is on hand, in compliance with the relevant provisions of the Health, Illness and Emergency policy.

 Two designated members of staff will keep mobile phones with them at all times and their numbers will be circulated to all parents/carers in advance of the visits and outings. These numbers will also be left at the Club premises in case of an emergency.

 A register will be taken at the beginning, middle and end of the visit or outing. Additionally, regular head counts will be taken by staff.

 A list of all members of staff and children participating in the visit or outing, along with relevant mobile phone numbers, will be left with the member of staff left on duty at the Club’s premises (if staff numbers allow for such a provision).

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Jesters Kids Clubs, Main Road, Bicknacre, Essex, 
Main Office Tel: 01245 222384