At Clifton Primary School, we believe that educational visits and experiences beyond the classroom are an essential part of children's learning and personal development. Our school trips provide exciting opportunities for pupils to explore new places, broaden their horizons and enjoy experiences that enrich their education.

We greatly appreciate the support of parents and carers who volunteer to accompany us on school trips. Your help enables us to provide these valuable opportunities while ensuring that children remain safe, supported and engaged throughout their visit.

To ensure that all school trips run smoothly and safely, we ask volunteers to follow the expectations outlined below.

The Role of Parent and Carer Volunteers

When accompanying a school trip, volunteers are expected to:

• Follow all instructions and guidance provided by the class teacher and other school staff.

• Support school staff in supervising the children allocated to their group, ensuring their safety and wellbeing throughout the visit.

• Remain with their allocated member of staff and group of children at all times, unless instructed otherwise.

• Help children stay together and keep pace with the wider school group, particularly when walking, using public transport or moving between activities.

• Model polite, respectful and courteous behaviour towards children, staff and members of the public, remembering that we are all representing Clifton Primary School.

• Support children's learning by showing an interest in the visit, encouraging discussion, asking questions and helping children engage with the activities and information provided.

• Inform a member of school staff immediately of any concerns relating to a child's safety, wellbeing, behaviour or medical needs.

• Follow all safeguarding, health and safety instructions given by school staff.

School staff retain overall responsibility for pupils, including decisions relating to supervision, behaviour, first aid and safeguarding.

What Volunteers Must Not Do

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children, volunteers must not:

• Bring additional children or siblings on the school trip.

• Change or reorganise allocated groups without permission from school staff.

• Leave their allocated group or the school party without informing a member of staff.

• Smoke, vape, consume alcohol or engage in any illegal activity during the visit.

• Use mobile phones for personal calls, messaging or social media while supervising children, except in an emergency or with permission from school staff.

• Take photographs or videos of any children during the visit, including their own child.

• Purchase or provide food, sweets, drinks or other treats for children.

• Leave the school group to purchase refreshments or attend to personal matters without permission from school staff.

• Administer first aid or medication unless specifically authorised and directed to do so by school staff.

Safeguarding and Confidentiality

The safety and wellbeing of our pupils are our highest priorities.

Volunteers must follow the school's safeguarding procedures and report any concerns about a child's welfare immediately to the accompanying school staff.

Information about pupils, including their behaviour, additional needs or personal circumstances, must be treated as confidential and must not be discussed with other parents or members of the public.

Volunteers should not take children away from their allocated group or supervise pupils separately from school staff unless this has been specifically agreed and included in the arrangements for the visit.

Emergencies

In the event of an emergency or if you become separated from the school group:

• Contact the accompanying member of school staff immediately using the contact details provided.

• If you cannot reach a member of staff, contact the school office on 020 8574 5712.

• Follow any emergency instructions provided by school staff.

• If a child requires urgent medical assistance, alert school staff immediately. In a life-threatening emergency, call 999.

Volunteers will be provided with relevant information and instructions before the visit, including emergency contact arrangements.

Thank You for Your Support

We are extremely grateful to the parents and carers who give their time to support our educational visits.

By working together and following these expectations, we can ensure that school trips are safe, enjoyable and memorable experiences for all our children.

Thank you for helping us provide the enriching opportunities that are such an important part of life at Clifton Primary School.