The Meridian School Trip Policy

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To ensure that our students are given the best and safest experience the following policy has been drafted so that all staff, children, and parents are aware of what is expected of them on school trips and off campus activities.

1. The trip organizer should complete a proposal form for the approval of the Head teacher or Director.

2. Once approved, the organizer should:

• Book transport and accommodations (see residential section of School trip Policy)
  
• Enter the date in the staff calendar.
  
  Write a letter to parents with a reply slip, informing them of the upcoming trip, costs (to be decided upon by the Head teacher / Director), and details of times, transportation, locations, and events.
  
  Collect monies from parents with the signed reply slip. (this acts as permission for their child to leave the campus)
  
  Record monies collected and hand in to the school office once every child has paid.
  
  Make arrangements with other staff/parents to assist on the trip. (There should approximately be a ratio of five (5)children to one (1) adult to ensure safety at all times.)
  
  3. On the day of the trip the organizer must:
  
  
• Collect equipment to be taken and if needed, make sure there is a first aid kit.
  
• Brief the Head Teacher/Director on plans for the trip before leaving.
  
• Ensure a register is taken and provide the school office with a list of all students going on the trip.
  
• Ensure he/she has a cell phone that is charged and has a list of important numbers.
  
• Make sure there are enough adults to the number of children and provide them with a group of children they are responsible for throughout the day.
  
• Count the number of children leaving campus / boarding the bus.
  
  4. While off campus the organizer must:
  
  Count the students at regular intervals throughout the day (especially when leaving or moving on from place to place.)
  Make sure students are in the appropriate group.
  Ensure that the safety of ALL students is regarded at ALL times.
  Be sure to contact the school in the case of an emergency.
  Make every effort to ensure that students are returned to school on time.
  
  

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  Residential School Trips / Guidelines
  
  As Meridian staff will be acting in loco parentis whilst on a residential school trip they will be responsible for students at all times.
  
  1. The leader of the trip will need to keep accompanying staff/parents/carers aware of what is happening and the activities that the students will be undertaking. A consistent approach is needed when deciding the limits of behavior and what students can or cannot do. (see behavior policy)
  
  2. Accompanying staff need to support the member of staff taking the lead and keep that person informed of any problems or concerns related to student or staff behavior.
  
  3. An emergency link with a colleague from the school should be established prior to the trip.
  
  4. Any special requirements (e.g. with regard to food, drink, medication) will need to be established and communicated to all responsible before going on the trip. Decisions need to be made as to whether students with particular special needs can safely accompany the trip.
  
  5. All efforts need to be made to make sure that students are safe and that safety regulations on transport, in the accommodations and on the trips associated with the visit are adhered to.
  
  6. The safekeeping of valuables (e.g. cameras, money) needs to be considered depending on the age of the students.
  
  7. When students are given free time they should always be in groups of at least three (3). Students should report back to staff at pre-arranged times and locations. Parents should be made aware that there may be times when they may be unaccompanied, depending on the trip.
  
  8. The staff rota's for patrolling occupied bedrooms should ensure that only female staff go into the girl's rooms and only male staff go into the boys room. Staff should avoid being alone with just one student in the room.
  
  9. Students will be able to make phone calls home during allocated times.
  
  10. The use of alcohol, tobacco and illegal substances will not be allowed under any circumstance.