Latest news

Campers warned about tick bites - June 2009

Campers planning to stay under canvas in the Highlands of Scotland have been warned about the risk of contracting serious illness from tick bites.

This BBC News article has more information. See also the Tick Alert website for further advice.

Snowsport Safety - March 2009

A reminder to all staff involved with snowsport visits that all snowboarders must wear helmets, due to risks specific to snowboarding as an activity. Please refer to the Guidelines for further information.

EVCs on Notification Database - January 2009

Only one person should be registered as EVC on the Notification Database. Since the updated Notification Database went live, we've noticed that many schools and other establishments still have accounts for members of staff who are either no longer EVC, or have in fact left the establishment altogether.

Please check your establishment's entry - if there are people incorrectly listed as EVC, please contact Richard Coulthard to request that their account be removed. This is important to keep the information on the system as up to date as possible and to avoid confusion.

New Guidelines - February 2008

The Guidelines for Off-Site Visits and Activities has been updated. This interim revision covers changes to Government legislation, legal and insurance amendments, as well as changes to titles and department names to reflect the move to CYPS. In addition, the generic risk assessments have also been reviewed and updated.

Schools/establishments will receive updated pages by the end of February half term, which will need to be replaced in your existing binder.

LA Approvals for Overseas/Off Matrix Visits - December 2007

Please remember that all overseas and off-Matrix visits require LA approval before they can go ahead. It is important that schools/establishments ensure that these visits are entered onto the Notification Database AT LEAST 8 weeks prior to the trip leaving. This time period ensures that the Consultant for Outdoor Education & Educational Visits, Dave Barham, has an opportunity to look at the entry and possibly go back to the school/establishment for further information prior to LA approval being granted.

Xscape - Rock & Ice Wall - January 2007

The issue with the parental release form has now been resolved and schools/establishments should feel free to go ahead and use the facility.

Camp Site Intrusions - July 2006

During June/July there are have been reports of 3 incidents involving school camping trips (both in the UK and France) where intruders have gained access to the camp site during the night/early morning. EVCs and Group Leaders are reminded that providers should have appropriate security measures in place for the personal safety of staff and students and for their possessions and that risk assessments should take this into account. is site are also welcomed.

Visits to Army Establishments/Courses - May 2006

A recent situation, in another LEA, causes me to draw your attention to the following: Headteachers, EVCs, Group Leaders, and supporting adults MUST be sure of the supervision arrangements for any pupils taking part in such activities. It is essential that there is full supervision, particularly in 'down time' and in the evening. Night time could be perceived as awkward, but it is simply a question of ensuring that young people do not leave their dorm (unless they have to use toilet facilities elsewhere) and that no unauthorised person enters the dorm, then, or at any other time. Young people should be briefed on the necessity to report any infringement of their privacy, directly and immediately to a member of their own school staff.

For further advice/guidance, please contact Dave Barham directly.

Risk Assessment - April 2006

This section of the Guidelines is currently being re-written to incorporate the latest developments, which can be seen on this website. Blank formats and exemplar material can be seen in the Risk Assessment section of this website. If you feel that you and/or colleagues would benefit from training as a school (or within your cluster) please contact Dave Barham urgently.

Filey Brigg - April 2006

Every year it seems that a group visiting Filey gets into difficulty with the tide. Please make sure if you are walking to the Brigg, or for that matter using any of our East Coast beaches, be aware of the tidal implications and keep track of the time! Alan Rose is the Principal Health & Safety Officer for Scarborough Borough Council, and would be delighted to answer any questions or give advice, if you are planning a visit to his patch. Contact information: 01723 232 316 or alan.rose@scarborough.gov.uk

Sunny Days! - April 2006

A reminder to all visit leaders that they should include sun protection, by way of clothing, hats, and sunscreen in their arrangements, and make a note on their risk assessment. This is particularly important for the under-10s. This leaflet has further advice.

Terrorism in London - August 2005

The recent terrorist attacks in London highlighted the effectiveness of the Visits Notification Database. Within 15 minutes of news of the attacks reaching County Hall, the Emergency Planning Department had a full list of all school parties in London. The Notification Database also provided information on those schools with travel plans that would take them through/around the London area, on their departure/return from European visits. Schools affected were contacted directly from County Hall, and advice given. This is a reminder of the importance of entering all off-site visits on the Notification Database.

High Level Ropes Courses - July 2005

Activity on these courses is not included in the North Yorkshire LEA Matrix of Adventure Activities. Therefore, any visit is subject to LEA approval through the Notification Database. Supervision must be undertaken by people who have a relevant qualification, e.g. SPA/CIC or higher/equivalent in-house assessment, together with specific on-site training.

Some establishments do not provide instructors/leaders (such as Go Ape, where instructors are not currently offered). If this is the case your staff must match the LEA's leadership requirements for this activity, as they will be leading the activity themselves.

Other venues do provide instructional staff (such as Aerial Extreme) and it is your responsibility to gain assurance that their staff are appropriately qualified/competent in the normal way. Your staff do not need to match the LEA's leadership requirements for this activity, as they are not running the technical aspects of the activity.

Note: All staff operating the high level ropes courses in North Yorkshire Outdoor Education Service centres match the LEA’s leadership requirements for this activity, and you do not need to seek further assurance from the centres.

Attention PE Teachers! - June 2005

It is possible to get rolling parental consent for students regularly engaged in inter-school sports fixtures. An example of a letter is available for download. Also available is guidance on the organisation of inter-school sports fixtures/area sports events. This information comes from BAALPE, and is a 22 page MS Word document. More information on this subject will be posted as it becomes available.

Overseas Expeditions - May 2005

A reminder that any commercial contract with a provider must exist between school and the company and NOT between parents and the company. Please refer to the Guidelines page 58 for details.

The following guidance from the Outdoor Education Advisers' Panel gives good advice to group leaders, whether they are engaging a commercial provider, or organising an expedition themselves. Any questions/clarification should be directed to Dave Barham .

Public Rights of Way - May 2005

If you are planning any activity (walking/climbing/mountain biking etc.) using public rights of way, please ensure that you apply the appropriate diligence not to contravene the status of the right of way, or become involved in an unintentional act of trespass. If you are in any doubt you may gain advice from the appropriate Rights of Way Officer for the area.

A copy of the Country Code is available for download here.