SchoolTripFinder.com Teacher Resource

School Trip Risk Assessments: What Teachers Need to Check

Risk assessment should help a school make informed decisions, not become a paperwork exercise.

Start with the actual programme

Assess the itinerary you intend to operate: transport, accommodation, activities, free time, locations and foreseeable changes. Generic destination paperwork is not a substitute for understanding the specific visit.

Questions to work through

• Who could be harmed and how?
• What controls are already in place?
• What further controls are practical?
• Who is responsible for each action?
• What happens if the itinerary changes?
• How will staff communicate in an emergency?

Consider the group, not just the activity

Age, experience, behaviour, supervision ratios, medical needs, accessibility and individual vulnerabilities can change the risk profile. Controls should reflect the students actually travelling.

Use provider information intelligently

Ask providers for relevant safety documentation, activity standards, emergency arrangements and evidence of appropriate insurance. The school should still apply its own educational-visit procedures and decide whether the proposed controls are suitable.

Keep it live

Review significant changes before departure and during the trip. Weather, transport disruption, illness or local conditions may require staff to reassess the plan rather than follow an outdated document.