Organisation of External Visits or Activities

This guidance has been produced to ensure consistency and quality in practice across all relevant SC establishments.

It gives guidance to all those who have a responsibility for the management of young people up to the age of 21, including vulnerable adults, taking part in external activities organised by, and under the control of, representatives of any establishment under the auspices of Somerset Council’s responsibility. When the Local Authority funds voluntary organisations these guidelines also apply.

This guidance applies to any activity or visits led by Local Authority full/part-time staff or volunteers acting on behalf of the Local Authority.

Voluntary Aided schools who maintain the post of External Visits Coordinator are strongly advised to work in partnership with the LA and comply with this guidance.

The operating licence for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is held by the LA. Therefore any school or establishment operating under the LA’s licence must comply with these guidelines.

Descriptions of the roles and responsibilities detailed in the list below are covered in this link: Roles and Responsibilities 2023 version.pdf

  • Governing Body/Senior Management Group
  • Head/Manager
  • External Visits Coordinator (EVC)
  • Visit Leader
  • Teacher, Youth/Children Worker, Other Employee
  • Adult Volunteer
  • Young People
  • Parent/Carer

National guidance for the management of outdoor learning, off-site visits and Learning Outside the Classroom is available at http://oeapng.info and National Approval and Endorsement System.pdf

The areas covered are detailed below:

  • Notification Procedures
  • Series Approval
  • Local Authority Endorsement Decisions
  • Monitoring of External Visits
  • Classification of External Visits
  • Adventurous Activities
  • Adventurous Locations
  • Procedures Table

Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC)

The full text of the Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto is available at www.lotc.org.uk/about/manifesto.

Manifesto Summary

Every young person should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development, whatever their age, ability or circumstances.

These, often the most memorable learning experiences, help us to make sense of the world around us by making links between feeling and learning. They stay with us into adulthood and affect our behaviour, lifestyle and work. They influence our values and the decisions we make. They allow us to transfer learning experienced outside to the classroom and vice versa.

Learning outside the classroom is about raising achievement through an organised, powerful approach to learning in which direct experience is of prime importance. This is not only about what we learn but importantly how and where we learn.

These experiences can take place in:

  • the school grounds
  • local nature reserves and wild places
  • city farms and parks
  • streetscapes
  • field study centres
  • farms and the countryside
  • remote wild and adventurous places
  • heritage and cultural sites
  • zoos and botanic gardens
  • places of worship
  • museums, theatres, galleries and music venues
  • on cultural, language and fieldwork visits abroad

The Manifesto can involve everyone who sees the benefits to young people, such as:

  • government
  • headteachers, governors, teachers and support staff
  • parents
  • local authorities
  • community and voluntary organisations
  • curriculum subject bodies
  • businesses
  • all agencies that provide external support to schools

Therefore, if you also recognise the value of learning outside the classroom and support the Manifesto vision, endorse and champion the Manifesto by becoming a signatory. As the role of the Manifesto is making a difference, you are encouraged to pledge your support by making public the actions you intend to take.