excursions
policy
In this section
An excursion is defined as any activity in which children are taken out of the premises. Children learn from experience, therefore excursions are seen as a valuable part of the Creche program. Careful planning is needed to ensure the success of an excursion. Planning is to maximise the learning potential of the experience, while ensuring the safety of all those involved.
Staff Responsibilities
Before initiating an excursion, staff need to define the rationale for having an excursion, and identify the objectives they wish to achieve. Staff need to be familiar with the site involved in order to assess suitability in terms of safety, facilities and accessibility for all children.
An itinerary should be developed including:
- A timetable for the excursion.
- Departure and return time
- The means of transport.
- The alternative plan for bad weather.
- Specific instructions regarding children's attire, e.g. hats, shoes.
- Arrangements for mealtime's and toilet routines.
- Arrangements for special need children.
- Staff:child ratio
A copy of this itinerary is to be made available to the parents of children attending the excursion at least twenty-four hours before the excursion is to take place. A copy of the itinerary is also to remain at the Creche, along with a list of children attending the excursion.
Parent Permission
All parents are to receive a written itinerary, along with the reasons for taking the children on the excursion, prior to giving permission for their child to participate in the excursion. Under no circumstances can a child participate in an excursion if a parent/guardian has not given written permission for the child to do so. Permission must be obtained for each individual excursion, and is to take the format of a standard form for each child attending. The form must identify the child and the authorising parent/guardian. This form is to be retained in the child's file.
Supervision
The minimum adult/Child ratios are:
Children aged less than 3 years - one (1) adult to two (2) children.
Children aged 3-5 years - one (1) adult to three (3) or four (4) children.
When Special Needs children are taken on an excursion, additional adults will be included in the ratios as required.
Accompanying adults should be assigned specific children to their care and explained the objectives of the excursion prior to leaving the Creche. Ultimately it is the Authorised Supervisor who is responsible for the care of all the children.
At least one adult is to remain at the Creche at all times unless alternative arrangements have been approved by the Department of Health & Community Services.
A list of children attending the excursion is to be taken on the excursion, and a copy of this list is to be left in the Creche. A roll call should be taken periodically during the time out of the Creche.
First-Aid Requirements
At least one person attending the excursion must have a First Aid certificate. A basic First Aid Kit should be taken on all excursions.
When children aged 0-2 years are attending an excursion, a staff member with appropriate qualifications for children 0-2 years must accompany them. If children aged 0-2 years are remaining in the centre, a staff member with appropriate qualifications for children 0-2 years must remain on the premises.
Transport
In regard to the mode of transport to be used the Authorised Supervisor must ensure:
- Buses - ensure that the seating capacity as displayed on the compliance plate is not exceeded. The bus must have seatbelts. All children must sit on seats, preferably with, or close to, an adult.
- Cars - are not to be used to transport children.
Insurance
Any excursion planned must be consistent with the requirements/exclusions of the Public Liability Cover held by the service.
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