2.3.1 Safeguarding on Visits

Why This Matters

Safeguarding during educational visits means taking sensible steps to protect children and young people from harm and to promote their welfare at all times. While visits provide valuable learning opportunities, they may also introduce safeguarding risks that need to be carefully managed.

All staff involved in planning and leading visits share responsibility for maintaining a safe and supportive environment.

Core Responsibilities

All adults supporting a visit must:

• Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people
• Follow the establishment’s safeguarding policies and training requirements
• Maintain professional boundaries and model appropriate behaviour
• Be aware of participants who may have additional vulnerabilities
• Share relevant safeguarding information with colleagues and providers on a need-to-know basis

Planning and Preparation

Effective safeguarding begins during the planning stage.

Visit Leaders should:

• Brief participants on the purpose of the visit, itinerary and behaviour expectations
• Explain emergency procedures and introduce supervising staff
• Ensure supervision arrangements are clear, including 24-hour supervision on residential visits
• Plan structured downtime to reduce risks such as bullying, homesickness or wandering
• Consider identification methods for younger or vulnerable participants where appropriate

Supervision During the Visit

Consistent supervision is essential throughout the visit. Good practice includes:

• Keeping an accurate register of participants and staff
• Carrying out regular headcounts, particularly in busy areas or during travel
• Ensuring participants know meeting points and next destinations
• Agreeing procedures for what to do if someone becomes separated from the group

Professional Behaviour

Staff should always behave professionally and transparently.

Staff should:

• Avoid situations where they are alone and unobserved with a child
• Ensure physical contact is appropriate, necessary and clearly explained
• Challenge inappropriate behaviour and follow reporting procedures where concerns arise

Staff must not engage in rough play, inappropriate physical contact, inappropriate language or innuendo or private messaging with participants.

Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Any safeguarding concern must be reported in line with the establishment’s procedures.

Staff should:

• Report concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) as soon as possible
• Ensure arrangements exist for out-of-hours DSL support during visits
• Contact emergency services immediately if a child is at immediate risk
• Follow safeguarding procedures if a disclosure is made

Overnight Visits

Residential visits require additional safeguarding considerations.

Leaders should ensure:

• Appropriate sleeping arrangements and supervision
• Suitable staff-to-participant ratios and sex balance
• Secure accommodation and building safety
• Clear fire safety and evacuation procedures

These arrangements should be communicated clearly to staff, participants and parents before the visit takes place.

Strong safeguarding arrangements help ensure that educational visits remain safe, supportive and positive experiences for all participants.

OEAP National Guidance available at https://oeapng.info

4.3e Safeguarding