EXCURSION POLICY
Aim
To give the children of Onewhero Early Childhood Centre opportunities to extend their knowledge of the wider
world and explore different environmental settings.
Guidelines
When planning excursions the physical and emotional well-being of the children will be paramount. (An
excursion is any outing by a group of children from OECC, on foot or by vehicle, beyond the grounds of the
Early Childhood Centre).
Legislation
Education (Early Childhood Centres) Regulations 1998 –
27 Travel arrangements - (1) The licensee of a licensed centre must ensure that if children travel in
motor vehicle while in the care of the centre –
(a) A person responsible ensures that each child is restrained as required by regulation 29A of the Traffic
Regulations 1976; and
(b) There are at least 2 adults in any motor vehicle carrying more than 3 children; and
(c) The written permission of the parent or guardian of the child has been obtained before the travel begins.
(2) The licensee of a licensed centre must ensure that no child leaves the centre with any person, unless the
person –
(a) Has custody of the child; or
(b) Is authorised in writing to take the child by a person who has custody of the child.
(3) The licensee of a licensed centre must ensure that if children are taken on any excursion or activity outside
the centre while in the care of the centre –
(a) There is a ratio of adults to children that, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, ensures the safety of those
children; and
(b) The parent or guardian of each child has given written approval to the ratio to be used; and
(c) The adult to child ratio requirement for children remaining at the centre is maintained.
Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008 –
47 Governance, management, and administration standard: general
(1) The governance, management, and administration standard: general is the standard that requires every
licensed service provider to whom this regulation applies to ensure that—
(a) the service is effectively governed and is managed in accordance with good management practices; and
(b) the service provider regularly collaborates with (i) parents and family or whānau of children enrolled in the service; and
(ii) the adults responsible for providing education and care as part of the service; and
(c) appropriate documentation and records are—
(i) developed, maintained, and regularly reviewed; and
(ii) made available where appropriate—
(A) at any reasonable time on request by a parent of a child enrolled in the service; and
(B) at any time on request by any person exercising powers or carrying out functions under Part
26 of the Act; and
(d) adequate information is made available to parents of enrolled children and, where appropriate, to the
families or whānau of those children about the operation of the service; and
(e) all reasonable steps are taken to provide staff employed or engaged in the service with adequate professional
support, professional development opportunities, and resources.
(2) Each licensed service provider to whom this regulation applies must comply with the governance,
management, and administration standard: general.
OECC Policy
Onewhero Early Childhood Centre will adhere to the following ratios:
Walks
3:20
Beach and other water related excursions
1:2
Other outings 1:3
When transporting children in a vehicle, the ratio will be 1:3 unless otherwise stated by the service provider, e.g.
Murphy Bus Company.
The Supervisor and staff, in conjunction with trip co-ordinator(s), are responsible for planning the outings from
the children’s and/or parents/caregivers/whanau interests.
The issue of siblings will be determined by the Supervisor (appropriateness of specific outings). Relevant
transport and costs (e.g. Entry fees) may need to be met by the relevant family(s).
The Supervisor, in conjunction with trip co-ordinator(s), will determine the trips in the annual plan where
possible, which will be presented to the Management Committee. There needs to be some flexibility regarding
the planned trips so long as it stays within the budget.
A notice with a permission slip will be sent to parents/caregivers/whanau with all relevant information included.
A “Trip Protocol” will be issued to parents attending the excursion. No children will be taken without parents
consent.
During a planned outing there will be no supervision at the centre for the relevant session(s). This will be
communicated to parents/caregivers/whanau in writing in advance, at least two weeks.
In the event that a parent/caregiver does not give consent for a child to go on a local walk within a session, the
centre will remain open with the appropriate ratios being adhered to.
All vehicles used on our excursions must hold a current warrant of fitness, registration, and any applicable road
user charges.
All drivers must hold a full licence.
All children under five must be restrained in an approved carseat.
The Supervisor will endeavour to ensure that all persons on the excursion will be safe and comfortable. A first
aid kit must be taken on all excursions.
In the event of an accident the Supervisor, staff and/or parents will record:
(a) Name of child or adult;
(b) Date and time;
(c) Action taken.
The Supervisor will discuss the accident with the parent/caregivers/whanau on return.
Reviewed and Ratified
Reviewed: 28 July 1998; 19 May 2000; Term 2 2004; 09 May 2007;
Explanatory Note: Amended to include legislation references as recommended by ERO. Policy amended regarding siblings transport and costs; no
supervision at centre during planned outings; ratios when parents do not give consent for local walks; vehicle requirements and to reflect new trip coordinator role.
Reviewed & Ratified:
To be reviewed: April 2013
Date:________________
Signed: ________________________