Ngā tikanga haerenga/Outings

2026

 

Rationale

 

It is essential that planned and spontaneous excursions are carried out in a manner that promotes safety for both tamariki and kaiako

 

Purpose

 

To ensure kaiako are provided with clear guidelines when planning for a variety of experiences outside the Centre.

​

Outings are an essential element of the centre programme. Through outings in small and large groups, tamariki get to

know the community and world beyond the centre, their experiences are broadened, and their sense of belonging is

enhanced. Outings usually occur in small groups. Tamariki who attend the centre on a full-time basis will generally take

part in more outings than those tamariki who attend part-time. We will keep a record of tamariki who have been on

outings to monitor equity and also for licensing compliance purposes.

​

On outings, Collectively Kids will maintain a ratio of one adult to three tamariki for under 2s tamariki, and one to four

if tamariki are over three years old.

​

Ratios will depend on a risk assessment taking into account:

                                                The age of tamariki.

                                                The behaviour of tamariki involved.

                                                The route and mode of transport taken.

                                                The destination.

                                                The experience of helpers.

​

Kaiako have assessed known and expected risks for outings into the immediate neighbourhood. On our regular

excursions, the mode of transport will be walking. Our regular excursions include walks and marches along Carrington

Road, Rubbish pick up along Sutherland Road, tree planting along Oakley Creek, tree climbing at Whatua Kaimarie, visit

to countdown, library and walks to the local primary schools Galdstone Primary, Pt chevalier Primary and St Francis

School. Parental permission is given at the time of enrolment for regular excursions for destinations, mode of transport

and for the proposed ratios. Kaiako will inform the Whānau prior to the regular excursion taking place about location,

method of travel, estimated time, and adult : child ratios via text or email and wait for a response.

​

Parents will give written permission for their tamaiti’s participation and for the proposed ratios and location for a special

excursion. Risk assessments and management plans are drawn up for outings that require transport. General road and

outing safety are discussed with tamariki within the curriculum. Records of outings, risk assessments and parent

permission for specific outings are kept in the outings folder. Risk assessments are updated when new risks are identified

and mitigation plans put into place. No tamaiti will leave the centre without written consent from whānau. Parents may

be required to meet the cost of any special outing. Notice will be given of any cost involved. Children will not be excluded

from outings because a parent cannot afford the outing. Tamariki without a written permission will stay back at the

centre with kaiako supervision for the duration of the outing.Outings do not take place unless ratios can always be

maintained. All outings are approved by the person responsible at the centre (the manager or senior kaiako). All helpers

read and sign the risk management plan.

​

Ratios (for outing groups or tamariki remaining at the centre) will at no time exceed those required by our license and

will be applied for the outing and for the tamariki remaining at the centre. At least two adults accompany tamariki on any

outing and at least one of these adults is a permanent kaiako. Other helpers may be student kaiako, whānau members or

other people involved in the centre community. All permanent kaiako have current first-aid qualifications. First aid

requirements in criterion HS119 are met for those tamariki going on the outings and those remaining on the premises.

There will be an adult with current first aid qualification provided by NZQA accredited training provider for every 25

tamariki attending. Tamariki are counted and the roll is called during intervals.

 

If no one remains at the centre, a note will be left on the door to advise manuhiri, whānau, etc, about the outing

destination, predicted return time and a contact name and number.

​

Kaiako will take a list of all tamariki going on the outing and a bag containing;

● Drinking water, cups for all tamariki and adults,

● Spare clothes,

● Spare nappies,

● Wet wipes,

● A first aid kit (including portable instant ice-packs),

● Cell phone with a contact number for someone who is connected with the service but not going on excursion,

● Suncream (in summer), rainwear if needed,

● Personal medications for tamariki and adults,

● Snacks on outings in and beyond the local community, and

● Books or other items to entertain children if there are any delays.

● For special excursions which involve travel in a motor vehicle, bags will be taken in case of travel sickness.

● Emergency contact details of all tamariki going on the excursion.

​

Planning (route and mode of transport) is made available to the whānau. If any whānau members need to get in contact

with the kaiako who is on the outing for any reason, they can contact the centre phone who will then pass the

information along. 

 

Travel in motor vehicles HS114

​

All tamariki travelling in motor vehicles will be restrained as per Land Transport regulations and will have an approved car

seat. It is the responsibility of whānau to provide suitable car seats. There will be two adults in each car, and required

adult:tamaiti ratios are maintained. Parents will give written permission before travel begins. All drivers will have full

driver’s license and the car will have current WOF and registration, this will be checked by the Person Responsible.

Copies of driver’s licenses are checked for validity and kept for our records.

​

If the tamariki are travelling by bus where they are not restrained, there will be adequate supervision by kaiako and the

other accompanying adults.

​

Parent helpers and volunteers

​

• Parent helpers are a key part of adult:tamaiti ratio. They are critical to the success of the supervision and health and safety on an excursion.

• Parent helpers are expected to actively supervise the tamariki in their care. They have to be close enough to keep them safe and should not let any tamaiti leave their group.

• Parents are expected to let the kaiako know if they have any health condition that might compromise their ability for active supervision throughout the excursion.

• Parents are given a list of tamariki they are responsible for.

• Parents are made aware of the itinerary, timetable and general logistics of the excursion.

• Parents need to notify a permanent kaiako if they need to leave the group and are expected to stay with the main group at all times.

• No smoking, alcohol consumption or illicit drugs are allowed on any excursion.

• Parents need to agree to follow all the requests and expectations of the kaiako.

• Positive behaviour policies and our general expectations are described to the parents and clear instructions are given as to when they should seek help from a kaiako.

• Parents and helpers are given instructions about what is acceptable in terms of taking photographs of the tamariki on the excursion.

• Parents and helpers are informed about toileting, food/drink, looking after tamariki’s belongings, who has the first aid kit, the number of the emergency cell phone and what will happen in an emergency.

• To ensure that tamariki are safe and supervised at all times, mobile phones will not be used by helpers on outings.