St. Patrick’s N.S.
Drumshanbo,
Co. Leitrim.
Roll No: 19423J
Tours policy
Reviewed: January
Ratified:
Partial review:
Full review: 2019
St. Patrick’s NS: Tours
St. Patrick’s National School
Tours Policy 2015
Introduction
School vision
In St. Patrick’s, we see the provision of school outings as part of our vision to provide
children with a stimulating education and to make their school experience a happy one.
Rationale
Outings and tours take place a number of times during the school year. Traditionally we
have an outing to the pantomime before Christmas. The Parents Association are consulted
about this. More junior classes do not always attend this but may instead go to a Christmas
show.
Each class has an annual school tour during the final term. Taking into account the age and
interest of the children and the curriculum being covered, school tours are arranged by the
school to present the children with a new environment in which they can observe,
investigate and relate their findings to their own environment. These tours may relate to the
SESE curriculum. Efforts will be made also to allow children to engage in new experiences in
curricular areas such as Arts or PE.
We also have regular outings to school related events – sports’ days, church events, choir
events etc. The Autism Class has more regular outings as part of their educational
programme and an appendix to this policy is included to state the practices appropriate for
these outings.
Every effort is made to ensure the safety and comfort of the pupils during school outings.
This policy is being created in 2015 to state current practice in the school in this regard. It is
part of an overall review of health and safety in the school. It adheres to our Code of
Behaviour and Supervsion policies also. It is being drawn up by the principal (Máirín
O’Keeffe) and the post-holder with responsibility for school outings and tours(Orla Walsh).
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St. Patrick’s NS: Tours
Tour organisation
Organisation of school tours forms part of the duties of a post-holder in the school,
currently, Orla Walsh. Generally this is understood to be tours where a number of classes
are travelling to a place/event – such as the pantomime or the annual school tour for senior
classes. She will be supported in this by the principal and staff of the school. Where
individual classes are going on an outing, the class teacher will have responsibility for
organising it but may always seek support from the staff of the school.
Transport:
The organiser of the tour will ensure that:(a) Tenders are sought for all tours
(b) Local companies are used as far as possible
(c) (b) A form of transport, appropriate to the distance and the numbers travelling will
be chosen.
The bus company/suppliers and drivers will accept the following conditions.
 All transport supplied will be suitable and well-maintained. Teachers have the right
to refuse any bus they find unsuitable for their outing. If the bus proves unsuitable a
replacement will be supplied or the money refunded.
 The driver will have a thorough knowledge of and follow the itinerary and timetable
for the tour
 The driver is responsible for the safety of the children while they are travelling but
teachers have the right to intervene if it is felt the the safety of the children is
compromised.
 Access to the bus during the tour will be arranged. If the weather conditions are
unfavourable the group will have the use of the bus for sheltering or for eating
lunch.
 The incidental consumption of food(snacking) and singing on the bus - at an
acceptable level - will be at the discretion of the teachers in consultation with the
driver.
 Buses will be left as they were found
Tour Kit:
Leaders will take a tour kit on all outings. The kit will contain:(a)
(b)
(c)
first aid materials
refuse and illness bags
mobile phone with contact numbers for the school and for parents
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St. Patrick’s NS: Tours
Cost:
The teachers will ensure that the cost of the tour is reasonable and represents value for
money. All children will be actively encouraged to save towards the cost of the tour.
Spending money: Teachers travelling together will agree and notify their group of the upper
limit on spending money . This will be based on age and venue. In many instances no
spending money will be brought. Generally a limit of €5 is allowed on school tours to
purchase an ince-cream/treat.
Other considerations
Weather Conditions:
Rain and head gear will be essential for all children and a change of clothes may be
necessary, depending on the venue.
Tours list:
A list of suitable tours for all classes will be available. Teachers will choose from the up to
date information sent to the school. In so far as is possible, the tour will be relevant to areas
of the curriculum being covered. A rota of tours will be used to ensure, in so far as possible,
that children have a different experience each school year.
Uniforms:
Teachers travelling together will decide whether uniforms should be worn. This will depend
on the nature of the tour/outing. In general, uniforms will be worn except when it is not
practical.
Reports:
Where problems arise either with venue or transport teachers will report back to the
transport/tour organiser who will in turn discuss it with the principal.
Conduct on Tours:
Pupil's behaviour on tours will comply with the standard set down in the School's Code of
Discipline and Anti-bullying policy. In certain circumstances parents may be asked to agree
to a contract on behaviour.
Where it is felt that a child's conduct would pose a safety risk or inhibit the educational
benefit for self or others, the teacher may refuse the child permission to travel. Where
children have been diruptive in class, teachers may choose not to bring them on school
outings. Parents will be advised of this in advance.
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St. Patrick’s NS: Tours
Safety and Supervision:
Teachers will be extra vigilant when taking children out of the school. Special attention will
be paid to:



road safety
appropriate behaviour on bus
risks posed by particular venues (e.g. adventure playgrounds etc.)
The minimum supervision ratio will be 15:1 (adult)
Informing Parents:
Teachers will ensure that Parents are given sufficient notice of:




Itinerary & timetable
Cost
Special clothing necessary
Lunch arrangements
Implementation/Ratification and Review
This policy will be presented to the Board of Management at the next meeting (February
2015). If ratified, it will become school policy and will be published on the school website. It
is due for full review in the autumn term of 2019. However, changes in practice and to other
policies which impact on school tours, may necessitate and earlier review.
Circulation:
The Tours Policy will be available in the school office for parents/guardians should they
request to view or obtain a copy. The policy can be communicated by providing a written
copy if requested, or by e-mail.
When it is ratified, it will be published on the school website/blog.
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St. Patrick’s NS: Tours
Ratification of policy for St. Patrick’s NS
Chairperson
Date
Principal
Date
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