Health and safety practices criterion 6
Whenever children leave the premises on an outing or excursion:
- assessment and management of risk is undertaken, and adult:child ratios are determined accordingly. Ratios are not less than the required adult:child ratio;
- parents have given prior written approval of their child's participation and of the proposed ratios; and
- there are communication systems in place so that people know where the children are, and adults can communicate with others as necessary.
Documentation required:
A record of outings or excursions. Records include:
- the names of adults and children involved;
- the time and date of the outing;
- the location and method of travel;
- assessment and management of risk; and
- evidence of parental permission.
Related to clause 46(1)(a&b) of standard.
Rationale/Intent:
The criterion is underpinned by the following premises:
- excursions outside the licensed premises are a valuable aspect of the service curriculum
- there are inherent risks involved in excursions from the licensed premises
- risks should be mitigated as much as possible to uphold the safety and wellbeing of children \
- the responsibility for the assessment of risk should lie with the service rather than with the Ministry of Education via a ratio
- formula applied through regulation
- parents should also take responsibility by giving their informed consent of the proposed excursion ratios.