Questions to consider

It can be helpful to meet with those involved in a planning meeting to discuss the following issues:

Are parents aware of, and have they provided written consent for the trip?

Parents should be fully informed of the arrangements, including details of accommodation, activities and cost.

They should also complete and return the relevant SG Consent Form giving their permission, emergency contact numbers and health information.

The consent forms available from the Safeguarding Service are:

• SG16 General Information and Consent Form
• SG17 Activities and Day Visits Consent Form
• SG18 Camps and Residential Holidays Consent Form
• SG19 Media Consent Form

Do you have adequate staff to supervise the children at all times?

Many centres have staff or instructors present who should be suitably trained and experienced in supervising children. It is common for these staff only to be available during certain times. This should be clarified and steps taken so that children and young people are always appropriately supervised and supported.

Consideration should also be given to overnight supervision.

It is important that children and young people are well supervised, whilst also having their privacy. Achieving the balance between supervision and privacy can be difficult and different groups approach this in various ways.