School trips: staff to get protection

The government is to publish new guidance to encourage school
staff to take children on more trips.

The guidance, to be developed jointly with staff unions, will
make sure staff are not blamed if an accident occurs as long as
they have taken reasonable safety precautions.

Parents will be asked to sign more detailed consent forms,
outlining  what activities are planned, what risks are involved,
and what safety measures will be in place.

Education secretary Ruth Kelly said that school trips build
pupils’ confidence and increase skills as well as enriching
the curriculum.

“We want to make sure that all school staff have the
confidence to continue offering these experiences and that everyone
involved in a school trip, including parents, are aware of their
rights and responsibilities,” she said.