2.4.1 Holidays and School Trips |
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
England: STANDARD 7 - Leisure activities
Regulation 18 - Education, employment and leisure activity
Wales: Standard 12: Leisure and Activities. See Children's Homes Regulations and Standards (Wales) 2002
OUTCOME STATEMENT
Child/Young People are able to pursue their particular interests, develop confidence in their skills and are supported and encouraged by staff to engage in leisure activities.
GUIDANCE
Department for Education Advice on Health and Safety for Schools, including School Trips
Contents
1. Holidays or School Trips in the UK
Where there is a proposal for a child to go on holiday or a school trip in the UK, the relevant social worker should give approval, unless it has previously been agreed this is not necessary (which may apply for holidays or trips up to four days as set out in Section 2, Arrangements by the Home - Overnight Stays and Contact with Relatives, Friends and Visitors) that the home can make the arrangements without seeking approval.
If the home is permitted to arrange holidays and trips without seeking approval, the social worker should still be informed, preferably in advance or as soon as possible afterwards.
Where the holiday or school trip will interrupt contact arrangements between the child and parents or siblings, consideration should also be given to making alternative suitable arrangements.
2. Holidays or School Trips outside the UK
Where there is a proposal for child to go on holiday or school trip abroad, the child's social worker must always give approval, having consulted the child's parents.
Where the parents consent, their consent must be obtained in writing. Where parental consent is not given, the social worker may need to seek legal advice as to whether the holiday can go ahead.
If the child requires a Passport, the social worker should be consulted on the procedures within the local authority for it.
Where the holiday or school trip will interrupt contact arrangements between the child and parents or siblings, consideration should also be given to making alternative suitable arrangements.
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