HSCS: 1.10, 1.32

At Little Wonderland Nursery we offer children a range of local outings including walks and visits off the premises. We believe that planned outings and visits complement and enhance the learning opportunities inside the nursery environment and extend children’s experiences. We always seek parents’ permission for children to be included in such outings.

 

Procedures

Visits and outings are carefully planned using following guidelines, whatever the length or destination of the visit:

• A senior member of staff will always carry out a pre-visit checklist, full risk assessment and outings plan before the outing to assess the risks or hazards that may arise for the children, and identify steps to be taken to remove, minimise and manage those risks and hazards. We will endeavour to visit the venue prior to the visit. This will ensure that the chosen venue is appropriate for the age, stage and development of the children
• Written permission will always be obtained from parents before taking children out
• We provide appropriate staffing levels for outings dependent on an assessment of the safety and the individual needs of the children
• At least one member of staff will hold a valid and current full paediatric first aid certificate and this will be increased where risk assessment of proposed activity deems it necessary
• We designate one member of staff to be the outing leader.  This is likely to be the most senior member of staff attending and it will be their role to take the lead in the event of any emergencies or incidents (see Missing Child Procedure from Outings Policy)
• A fully stocked first aid box will always be taken on all outings along with any special medication or equipment required
• A completed trip register together with all parent and staff contact numbers will be taken on all outings
• Regular headcounts will be carried out throughout the outing. Timings of headcounts will be discussed in full with the nursery manager prior to the outing
• All staff will be easily recognisable by other members of the group.
• A fully charged nursery mobile phone will be taken as a means of emergency contact (staff are reminded of Mobile phone and electronic device use)
• In the event of an accident, staff will assess the situation. If required, the group will return to nursery immediately and parents will be contacted to collect their child. In the event of a serious accident, an ambulance will be called at the scene, as well as parents being contacted. One member of staff will accompany the child to the hospital, and the rest of the group will return to the nursery.

 

Risk assessment/outings plan

The full risk assessment and outing plan will be developed prior to each outing

 This plan will include details of:

• The name of the designated person in charge - the outing leader
• The name of the place where the visit will take place
• The estimated time of arrival at destination and expected time of return to nursery
• The number of children, age range of children, the ratio of staff to children, children’s individual needs and the group size 
• The equipment needed for the trip, i.e. first aid kit, mobile phone, coats, safety reins, pushchairs, rucksack, packed lunch, etc.
• Staff emergency contact numbers
• Method of transportation and travel arrangements (including the route)
• Financial arrangements
• Emergency procedures
• The name of the designated first aider and the first aid provision
• The name of the designated safeguarding lead for the outing
• Links to the child’s learning and development needs.

 

Use of vehicles for outings

• All staff members shall inform parents in advance of any visits or outings involving the transportation of children away from the nursery
• The arrangements for transporting children will always be planned carefully and where necessary additional staff of volunteers will be used recruited to ensure the safety of the children. This is particularly important where children with disabilities are concerned
• All vehicles used in transporting children are to be properly licensed, inspected and maintained.
• Drivers of vehicles are to be adequately insured, and due diligence checks are carried out to ensure they are suitable and reputable
• All vehicles used are fitted to the supplier’s instructions with sufficient numbers of safety restraints appropriate to the age/weight of the children carried in the vehicle. Any mini buses/coaches are fitted with 3-point seat belts
• When we use a mini bus, we check that the driver is over 21 years of age and holds a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) driving licence. This entitles the driver to transport up to 16 passengers
• When children are being transported, we maintain ratios.

 

Missing children

In the event of a child going missing, the Missing Child Procedure will be followed. Any incidents or accidents will be recorded in writing and the Care Inspectorate will be contacted and informed of any incidents.

 

There may be opportunities for parents to assist on outings. The manager will speak to parents prior to the visit regarding health and safety and code of conduct.

 

 

 

In the event of an emergency (including a terrorist attack)

In the event of an emergency whilst out on a visit, we encourage staff to find a safe haven and remain there until the danger passes. If necessary, the police will be contacted if it is safe to do.

 

This could cover other issues such as extreme weather, emergency (such as an ill or injured child) etc.

 

We will contact all parents of the children on the visit to confirm arrangements it is safe to do so.

 

The Care Inspectorate will be contacted and informed of any incidents.

 

Further information can be found at:

https://www.npcc.police.uk/NPCCBusinessAreas/WeaponAttacksStaySafe.aspx

Adopted July 2025 by Stacey Sneddon

Reviewed July 2026 - Stacey Sneddon