NASUWT Representatives

www.nasuwt.org.ukEducational Visitsand Learning Outsidethe ClassroomWhen they are properly organised and relevant to thecurriculum, educational visits and Learning Outside theClassroom (LOtC) activities can enable pupils to be moreengaged and enthusiastic learners.Because of the great personal and professional risks involved,members should always be advised not to participate in visitsand journeys that are non-contractual, do not have cleareducational outcomes and do not require the exercise of theteacher’s professional skills and judgement. If members ignorethis advice, then every effort should be made to minimise therisk.All LOtC activities must be approved by the school inaccordance with local procedures. Governing bodies of alltypes of school should ensure that the visit has a specific andstated objective and that the headteacher/principal shows howarrangements comply with all relevant regulations andguidelines, including the school’s own health and safety policyand, where applicable, the LA’s, and that theheadteacher/principal/group leader reports back after the visit.It is good practice for each school to have an Educational VisitsCo-ordinator (EVC). The role of the EVC does not require theprofessional skills and judgement of a qualified teacher.Headteachers/principals should ensure that visits comply withregulations and guidelines provided by the LA or governingbody and the school’s own health and safety policy.Headteachers/principals should ensure that the group leader iscompetent to monitor the risks throughout the visit, thatappropriate risk assessments have been completed and thatadequate safety measures are in place. Appropriate riskassessments must be undertaken for all educational visits andLOtC activities. Risk assessments should only be undertaken bylegally competent, appropriately qualified and experiencedpersons.EVCs should satisfy themselves that the following points havebeen covered.lAll supervisory duties must be carried out with the greatestof rigour. Courts expect teachers to exercise a greaterdegree of care than would be expected of a careful parentand take the view that teachers accompanying the schoolparty carry ultimate responsibility.59For advice and help ˚ Local Association ˚ Regional Centre ˚ National Executive