General

Visits/activities within the ‘School Learning Area’ that are part of the normal curriculum and take place during the normal school day follow the Operating Procedure below.

 

These visits/activities:

• do not require parental consent, however parents are informed of these activities
• do not normally need additional risk assessments / notes (other than following the Operating Procedure below).

Boundaries

The boundaries of the School Learning Area includes, but is not limited to, the following frequently used venues:

• Shops / Café in Station Road: conduct surveys and practise money handling skills
• The Recycling Centre in Kings Road
• The Memorial on Kings Head Hill/ Chingford Mount Cemetery
• Chingford Public Library/Fire Station/Train Station
• Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge, Chingford Plains
• Chingford Leisure Centre (swimming lessons)

Operating Procedure for School Learning Area

The following are potentially significant issues/hazards within our School Learning Area:

• Road traffic.
• Other people / members of the public / animals.
• Losing a pupil.
• Uneven surfaces and slips, trips, and falls.
• Weather conditions.
• Activity specific issues when doing environmental fieldwork (nettles, brambles, rubbish, etc).

These are managed by a combination of the following:

 

• The Head or Deputy must give verbal approval before a group leaves.
• Only staff judged competent to supervise groups in this environment are approved.
• There will normally be a minimum of two adults but at least three if crossing any roads.
• Staff are familiar with the area, including any ‘no go areas’, and have practiced appropriate group management techniques.
• Pupils have been trained and have practiced standard techniques for road crossings in a group.
• Where appropriate, pupils are fully briefed on what to do if they become separated from the group.
• Pupils’ clothing and footwear is checked for appropriateness prior to leaving school.
• Staff are aware of any relevant pupil medical information and ensure that any required medication is available.
• Staff will deposit in the office a list of all pupils and staff, a proposed route, and an estimated time of return on a completed School Learning Area off site form 
• A school mobile is taken with each group and the office have a note of the number.
• Appropriate personal protective equipment is taken when needed (eg gloves, goggles)