Educational visits and learning beyond the classroom are an important part of life at Mapperley Plains Primary and Nursery School. These experiences enrich the curriculum, support children’s personal development and help them build confidence, independence and resilience.

We recognise that parents and carers want reassurance about safety, consent and insurance arrangements. This page explains how educational visits are organised, when consent is required and how insurance cover works. It is intended as a clear reference point so parents feel informed and confident about their child taking part.

EDUCATIONAL VISITS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

All visits are carefully planned and led by trained staff. The school remains fully responsible for:

• assessing and managing risk

• ensuring appropriate supervision

• checking the suitability and competence of any external providers

• making reasonable adjustments so children can participate safely

Risk assessments are completed in advance and reviewed as needed. Responsibility for safety and risk management is not transferred to parents through consent forms.

INFORMATION WE PROVIDE ABOUT VISITS

Depending on the nature of the visit, information shared with parents may include:

• the educational purpose of the visit

• destination and travel arrangements

• supervision and staffing

• timings, costs and practical arrangements

• activities involved and how risks are managed

• insurance arrangements

• emergency contact procedures

For more complex visits, additional information or meetings may be provided.

INSURANCE ARRANGEMENTS

Mapperley Plains Primary and Nursery School is a maintained school and is covered by the Government’s Risk Protection Arrangement (RPA). This is a government-backed scheme that provides cover in place of commercial insurance.

• The RPA applies both on the school site and during approved off-site activities, including educational visits

• It covers a wide range of risks associated with school activities

• As with all insurance arrangements, cover is not unlimited and there are exclusions

A common example of a limitation is personal property. Items such as mobile phones or valuables brought by children are not fully insured. Children should not bring valuable personal items on visits. Parents may wish to check their own household insurance if this is a concern.

Schools are not required to provide parents with full insurance policy documents in order for consent to be valid. The school’s responsibility is to ensure appropriate cover is in place and that visits are properly risk assessed and supervised.

UNDERSTANDING THE CONSENT FORM WORDING

Consent forms include a statement confirming that parents understand the extent and limitations of the insurance cover provided. This wording:

• does not mean parents are expected to review or interpret insurance policy documents

• confirms that insurance is in place but is not unlimited

• does not transfer responsibility for safety or risk management to parents

The school’s duty of care remains unchanged.

MEDICAL AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Up-to-date medical and emergency contact information is essential for children’s safety and wellbeing. Parents may be asked to provide information about:

• medical conditions or allergies

• medication requirements

• individual care needs

• emergency contact details

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS

If you have any questions about a specific visit, consent arrangements or insurance cover, please contact the school office. We are always happy to discuss individual circumstances and provide reassurance.