Appendix 2
Notes for teachers leading their own outdoor learning activities outwith school grounds
Selecting a location
Visit potential locations within the country park or your local area. Check the appropriateness of sites in terms of: suitability for lesson, distance, ground conditions, health and safety issues, parking (if taking a coach), litter and other users. You can get advice from the countryside ranger service about the best sites within the country park to use. Their contact details can be found in appendix 4. Outwith the country park you can talk to local people, community groups and businesses to get tips on potential locations.
Plan your route and teaching locations within the site. Have alternative options in case the conditions you find are different from your previous visit. The more you familiarise yourself with an area, the more confident you will be about taking your group there.
Risk assessments
A full risk assessment, including emergency procedures, should always be completed before your trip. An example risk assessment for outdoor learning is included in appendix 3. This example is a general risk assessment and can form the basis of your own. There will be additional potential hazards related to specific transport arrangements, sites, groups and variables which are not included in the example and must be included in yours. Blank risk assessment forms can be downloaded from
www.damstodarnley.org/pack. Additional advice on risk assessment can also be sought from the countryside ranger service even if they are not going to be leading your group. Remember to inform other leaders and the group of emergency procedures.
Weather
Check the weather conditions on the lead-up to a visit and do not rely on one source. This does not mean just looking out for rain, ice, snow or wind. Sunshine can be hazardous too. Make sure your group are prepared. If the weather is extreme or ground conditions are too dangerous your trip may need to be cancelled. Always have an alternative plan.
Clothing
Give parents/guardians and children plenty of warning (and reminders) before an outdoor visit. If some children are unlikely to have suitable clothing at home ask the school if they will provide wellies and waterproofs. A change of clothes in case your group gets very wet is a good idea. In cases of sunshine make sure children are covered up; sun hats are extremely beneficial. Sun lotion is useful if required, but remember to check for any allergies as part of your trip planning.
www.damstodarnley.org
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