Comment on DfE School Trips guidance

1 July 2011

Following moves by the Department for Education and the Health & Safety Executive to make it easier for schools to run school trips, Paul Tombs, head of education at Zurich Municipal, says:
 
“Practical lessons, school trips, field research and even playground games are important aspects of education, and, while schools should be safe and mindful of potential risks, should be encouraged.
 
“As the leading insurer of schools in the UK, our claims experience tells us that just 3% of local authority personal injury claims relate to educational activities (inside and outside the classroom).We therefore consider that any public perception and fear over a lack of available insurance cover, or a perceived rise in premiums for these activities, is unfounded.
 
“We encourage schools and LEAs to adhere to current Department for Education guidance on out-of-school activities, and our practical emphasis is always on the need for effective risk assessments to be carried out by those organising these activities.
 
“As many schools transfer from local authority control to become autonomous academies and as new free schools are created, they take on the responsibility for ensuring activities inside and outside the classroom are safe. However, it is important that a misperception of the risks involved does not outweigh the need to provide a stimulating educational experience for children."

- ENDS-