It’s well researched that children attending school trips and activities out in nature, whether for light hearted fun or with a more educational structure, benefit from learning a whole range of life skills not attained in the classroom.

According to the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, 

‘Learning outside the classroom supports the development of healthy and active lifestyles by offering children opportunities for physical activity, freedom and movement, and promoting a sense of well-being.’

So, what is it holding education providers back from encouraging and engaging with outdoor learning? Why aren’t more outdoor in nature activities planned for all children? According to Health and Safety Executive, it is frustration and fear. Frustration of the paperwork required for a trip, fear if a trip doesn’t go to plan, and fear of the consequences if a child is injured.

‘Misunderstandings about the application of health and safety law may, in some cases, discourage schools and teachers from organising such trips. These misunderstandings stem from a wide range of issues…frustrations about paperwork, fears of prosecution if the trip goes wrong, and the belief that a teacher will be sued if a child is injured.’

So how can we overcome the stigma of fear associated with outdoor school trips and workshops, that will encourage more outdoor learning to help develop the young minds and bodies in our communities? We need to empower education providers with the necessary knowledge and tools to carry out such trips safely and confidently.

Risk Assessments.

Many find writing a risk assessment a daunting task, but given the appropriate training and resources, anyone can carry out a risk assessment. The more the risks are evaluated, the more aware we are, the better the risk can be avoided. This could be the difference between a fun trip into nature or a trip home in an ambulance.

Children’s First Aid.

By ensuring all those involved in a trip (teachers, teaching assistants, workshop leaders, volunteers) are trained in children’s first aid (often referred to as paediatric first aid), we are providing the knowledge and skills to deal with accidents and events that may happen when children are exploring the outdoors. Keeping children safe is paramount, and having the awareness and skills to recognise a situation and handle it appropriately could save a child’s life.

Here at Ardent Safety, we love to work with education providers, both in and out of the classroom, and we’re here to help!
We offer a whole range of courses on risk assessments, health and safety and paediatric first aid to ensure those in positions of responsibility are armed with the skills, knowledge and confidence to keep children and each other safe.

A key message from Health and Safety Executive; 

‘Well-managed school trips and outdoor activities are great for children. Children won’t learn about risk if they’re wrapped in cotton wool.’

Make sure you know how to avoid the risk, book a course or give us a call to learn more about the training and courses we offer.