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Schools urged to run more trips Schools urged to run more trips
(39 minutes later)
Teachers are being urged to take their pupils on more school trips, as a new support and safety package is unveiled.Teachers are being urged to take their pupils on more school trips, as a new support and safety package is unveiled.
Education Secretary Alan Johnson wants learning outside the classroom to be at the heart of every school's curriculum.Education Secretary Alan Johnson wants learning outside the classroom to be at the heart of every school's curriculum.
But many teachers are wary of taking pupils on trips because of fears of legal action if something goes wrong.But many teachers are wary of taking pupils on trips because of fears of legal action if something goes wrong.
A consultation on how to treat staff fairly after an accident is being launched, and training on trip planning and risk management is being offered.A consultation on how to treat staff fairly after an accident is being launched, and training on trip planning and risk management is being offered.
The National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers advises its members not to get involved in school trips because of the threat of litigation in the event of an accident.The National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers advises its members not to get involved in school trips because of the threat of litigation in the event of an accident.
Its general secretary Chris Keates said the union was glad the government had taken its concerns seriously in producing the new package of measures.Its general secretary Chris Keates said the union was glad the government had taken its concerns seriously in producing the new package of measures.
The amount of coverage that one accident results in creates an atmosphere that worries parents NUT spokesmanThe amount of coverage that one accident results in creates an atmosphere that worries parents NUT spokesman
She said her union had been vilified for its position but would not apologise for putting the interests of its members first.She said her union had been vilified for its position but would not apologise for putting the interests of its members first.
"No activity is risk-free, but when all of this work finally is completed staff who choose to participate in education outside the classroom will be better protected as a result of the NASUWT's efforts and the government's positive response," she said."No activity is risk-free, but when all of this work finally is completed staff who choose to participate in education outside the classroom will be better protected as a result of the NASUWT's efforts and the government's positive response," she said.
She also welcomed the recognition that teachers should not be engaged in the administration of such activities because of their already large workload.She also welcomed the recognition that teachers should not be engaged in the administration of such activities because of their already large workload.
'Trips vital''Trips vital'
Mr Johnson wants schools to use the wealth of museums, art galleries and outdoor education centres on their doorsteps and further afield to inspire and motivate pupils.Mr Johnson wants schools to use the wealth of museums, art galleries and outdoor education centres on their doorsteps and further afield to inspire and motivate pupils.
Learning outside the classroom should be at the heart of schools' curriculums and ethos.Learning outside the classroom should be at the heart of schools' curriculums and ethos.
"Children can gain valuable learning experiences, from going on cultural visits overseas to teachers simply using their school grounds imaginatively."Children can gain valuable learning experiences, from going on cultural visits overseas to teachers simply using their school grounds imaginatively.
"Educational visits and out-of-school teaching can bring learning to life by deepening young people's understanding of the environment, history and culture and improving their personal development," he said."Educational visits and out-of-school teaching can bring learning to life by deepening young people's understanding of the environment, history and culture and improving their personal development," he said.
The new measures contained in the Learning Outside the Classroom manifesto include a package of support for schools planning trips and a new independent council to advise on future policy.The new measures contained in the Learning Outside the Classroom manifesto include a package of support for schools planning trips and a new independent council to advise on future policy.
Trainee teachers will be taught about leading, planning and evaluating the risks.Trainee teachers will be taught about leading, planning and evaluating the risks.
'Minimise risks''Minimise risks'
And schools will get help to promote the benefits of educational trips to parents.And schools will get help to promote the benefits of educational trips to parents.
Education inspectors are to monitor how well schools undertake risk assessments ahead of trips.Education inspectors are to monitor how well schools undertake risk assessments ahead of trips.
HAVE YOUR SAY For most teachers, they're nothing short of a stressful nightmare Gareth Evans, Birmingham Send us your comments
The manifesto has been welcomed by the Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres chairman Kevin Jackson, who said: "Quality outdoor educational experiences are about developing lifelong skills and it is vital we emphasise the benefits for all young people."The manifesto has been welcomed by the Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres chairman Kevin Jackson, who said: "Quality outdoor educational experiences are about developing lifelong skills and it is vital we emphasise the benefits for all young people."
A spokeswoman for the National Union of Teachers suggested the package had been unveiled to counter some of the bad press around school trips.A spokeswoman for the National Union of Teachers suggested the package had been unveiled to counter some of the bad press around school trips.
"The reality is that thousands of trips happen every year across all our schools," she said."The reality is that thousands of trips happen every year across all our schools," she said.
"The amount of coverage that one accident results in creates an atmosphere that worries parents.""The amount of coverage that one accident results in creates an atmosphere that worries parents."
John Bangs, head of education at the NUT, said there is "genuine anxiety" among teachers that they could be personally sued or face prison in some cases.John Bangs, head of education at the NUT, said there is "genuine anxiety" among teachers that they could be personally sued or face prison in some cases.
"I think it is an entitlement for youngsters that they should all have equal entitlement to outside experiences," he said."I think it is an entitlement for youngsters that they should all have equal entitlement to outside experiences," he said.
"That said, what I don't want to see is a situation where government decides to get very enthusiastic about a manifesto and then tries to enforce school trips on schools which are still nervous about conducting them.""That said, what I don't want to see is a situation where government decides to get very enthusiastic about a manifesto and then tries to enforce school trips on schools which are still nervous about conducting them."