Ngā tikanga haerenga/Outings

2023

 

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 staff 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 keep a record of tamariki who have been on outings to monitor equity.

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On outings, every effort will be made to have a ratio of one adult to three tamariki for under 2s tamariki, and one to four if tamariki are over three years old.

 

On outings every effort will be made to have a ratio of one adult to three children, one to four if children are over three years old.

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Ratios will depend on a risk assessment taking into account:

                                                The age of tamariki

                                                The behaviour of tamariki involved

                                                The route taken

                                                The destination

                                                The experience of helpers

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Kaiako have assessed known and expected risks for outings into the immediate neighbourhood where no transport is required. Risk assessments and management plans are drawn up before 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. 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.

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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 remaining tamariki. 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 are required to have current first aid qualifications. Tamariki are counted regularly, and the roll is called regularly during large group outings.

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No tamaiti will leave the centre without written consent from whānau. Whānau provide general permission for short local outings on the enrolment form by signing this policy. Specific permission is sought for outings involving transportation. Outings do not take place unless ratios can be always maintained.

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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.

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Kaiako will take a list of all tamariki going on the outing and a bag containing;  drinking water, cups, spare clothes, spare nappies, wet wipes, first aid kit, cell phone with a contact number for someone who is connected with the service but not going on excursion, suncream (in summer),  personal medications for tamariki and adults, and snacks on outings in and beyond the local community.

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Please note – to ensure that children are safe and supervised at all times mobile phones will not be used by helpers on outings.

 

 

Travel in cars

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All tamariki are required to travel in approved car seats. It is the responsibility of whānau to provide suitable car seats. Whenever possible there should be more than one adult in each car. If there are more than three tamariki travelling in one car, they must be accompanied by at least two adults. All drivers will be required to show their driver’s license, current WOF and registration.  Copies of driver’s licenses are kept for our records.

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Parent helpers and volunteers

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• 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 which 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 teaching team.

• 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.

 

Licensing criteria (HS 17) 

 

 

Outings

(Reviewed 2017)

Please read the policy and the risk management plans below very carefully

 

Outings in the local area (not requiring transport) – this risk management plan also applies to outings to Oakley Creek and to tree (see below)

Risk assessment and management plan:

The density of traffic is relatively high in the area. On occasions footpaths are used by bicycles. The surface of footpaths is uneven in places. People in wheelchairs frequently use footpaths. People from rehabilitation units and elderly people go for walks in the area. Children are given clear guidelines for walks. Adults ensure that children in pushchairs wear restraints at all times and children walking hold hands. Children are placed in a way that takes into account their maturity and age and ratios are adjusted for this also. Crossings, preferably with lights, must be used at all times. On uncontrolled crossings adults ensure that cars on both sides of the road have stopped before crossing. Adults make sure that children stop (away from the edge of the road) and give way to pedestrians and bike riders. Plenty of time is allocated to outings so that there is no rush. Teachers assess and manage risks (expected and unexpected) during the outing and give advice to helpers.

 

Walks to and along Oakley Creek walkway

Risk assessment and management plan:

 

The group is reminded to stay on the left of the shared (cycle) path and adults check for cyclists.

 

At the beginning of the walkway the level of the creek is checked and the walk only continues if the creek is well below the banks. Children are reminded of safety issues throughout the course of the walk. Teachers will end the walk if there is inappropriate/unsafe behaviour.  Children are required to stay on the path. There is an adult at the front and back of the group. Children are carefully supervised during rest periods and play, especially near water and are given clear guidelines regarding safety.

 

On occasions older children run along the path. They are required to wear appropriate footwear and to stay in single file. A teacher leads the group and warns the children of uneven terrain or obstacles. One adult (preferably a teacher) stays at the back of the group. The leading teacher stops regularly so the rest of the group can catch up and at bridges which we walk across.

 

Children receive health and safety and equipment (gloves etc.) when picking up rubbish or planting trees in the area and wash hands on arrival back at the centre.

 

Tree climbing at the Sutherland Road Health Clinic

Risk assessment and management plan:

 

Adults ensure that children walking hold hands unless the teacher in charge on the outing decides (after assessing risk) that it is safe for children not to hold hands. We cross the road opposite the health unit office. Permission to access the grounds is sought in the office. The climbing area is clearly defined by teachers and will include a maximum of 1 tree per supervising adult. The fence running alongside Carrington Rd is checked for gaps – if there are gaps then children should be moved to trees in an area where there are no gaps. Children are allowed to move freely within the designated area and are encouraged to climb to a height they feel safe and confident at as long as this is not higher than an adult can reach. No child is lifted into the tree. Teachers end the outing if there is inappropriate/unsafe behaviour.

Children receive health and safety and equipment (gloves etc.) when picking up rubbish or planting trees in the area. Hands will be washed on arrival back at the centre.