1.5.1 Local Visits, Trips and Activities and Transporting Children

Contents

1. Visits, Trips and Activities 
2. Transporting Children  

1. Visits, Trips and Activities

For Transporting arrangements please see Section 2, Transporting Children

1.1 Introduction

This procedure provides general advice on the planning and organisation of outdoor activities, such as educational visits, local trips or days out. The generic term ‘Activity’ is used to cover all these situations.  It does not provide procedures or guidance for specific activities such as hill walking.  Staff must refer to other relevant procedures and guidance where necessary (also see Section 1.7, Adventurous Activities).

However, the principles of this procedure apply to other types of visits, outdoor or ‘off site’ activities such as home visits or transporting children to and from court.

1.2 Planning and Authorisation

The following should be read/applied ‘as appropriate’, depending on the type of activity/trip. The general principle is that activities and trips must be properly planned and authorised, even ‘short trips’ to the shops. However, it is not suggested that it is necessary to fulfil all the arrangements listed, unless they are appropriate to the activity/trip. The principles, which apply to all activities/trips, are highlighted in this way.

If in doubt, Staff should consult a Manager.

It is acknowledged that there is a wide variation in the type of activities undertaken with children and young people.  The overall principle for any activity is that Staff must conduct Risk Assessments (see Section 1.5, Risk Assessments).  The following is provided as guidance, which should be adopted as necessary to each activity undertaken:

1.2.1	The Manager or someone delegated to act on the Manager’s behalf, must oversee and authorise all activities/trips.  As soon as it is known an activity or series of activities are likely, the Manager must be consulted and should oversee and approve all arrangements, or delegate another person to act on the Manager’s behalf.  All arrangements must be recorded and signed off by the Manager in consultation with relevant Social Workers and Parents. The Manager must ensure that appropriate written consents are obtained. Where Parental Consent is not given, the Social Worker may need to seek legal advice as to whether the activity can go ahead. If the child is travelling overnight, a copy of the consent should be carried by Staff. If the child is travelling abroad, the Manager must consult the Social Worker/Parents to obtain a passport.
1.2.2	Where a series or range of activities are necessary (the transporting of children to and from school, a series of supervised contacts or the undertaking of routine activities), the arrangements should be agreed with the Manager in advance, and a date set for the review of the arrangements.
1.2.3	Unless otherwise agreed with a Manager, children must be supervised by Staff with appropriate levels of experience and qualifications.  The Escort Service will usually provide two Staff, but Children’s Homes Managers may permit activities to be undertaken/supervised by one member of Staff only. Where only one member of Staff/Carer is taking part, it is always assumed that person is in charge or responsible for the activity.  Where more than one Staff/Carer is taking part, one person must be designated Group Leader.
1.2.4	The Group Leader (or person in charge) and other Staff/Carers may be given other responsibilities/roles as necessary.   These other responsibilities must be overseen by the Group Leader and approved by the Manager.
1.2.5	A member of Staff should be designated as ‘in charge’ or as the Group Leader.  The Group Leader is responsible for all planning, Health and Safety and Contingencies depending on the trip, including duration, location, number of participants, gender and specific individual needs.
12.6	Consideration must be given to children’s needs and interests, including any medical or healthcare needs. The Group Leader must identify the children who will be taking part in the activity and consider what arrangements or plans must be made, taking account of:
	Care Plan, Care Programme, Risk Assessment or other relevant plans Recent/relevant events/Incidents Group dynamics, Staff/child relationships Child Protection Issues Violent or other offending behaviour The healthcare or mental health needs of the children. Level associated with Drug/Alcohol etc. misuse. Level of disability and associated special needs. Insurance arrangement suitable to the activity
1.2.7	A list of Staff or other responsible adults who are likely to take part must be drawn up.  In Children’s Homes, if possible, at least one member of Staff should be known to the child(ren) taking part and there must be one member of Staff from each gender.  Where this is not possible the Manager must approve the alternative arrangements, ensuring that the best interests of the child are accounted for; in these circumstances the Staff/adults taking responsibility for the child must be provided with relevant information about the child to enable the activity to be undertaken safely. Generally, the Staff/child ratios must be determined by the children’s needs.
1.2.8	The Group Leader must ensure the child/Staff ratio’s are adequate to meet the needs of the children and the risks posed.  For example, where there is a risk of violence, hazardous activities are undertaken, or remote locations are used.
1.2.9	Where there is a risk of confrontational or violent behaviour, the Group Leader/Manager must ensure that Staff/Carers undertaking the activity are suitably trained and are familiar with relevant procedures and guidelines contained in this manual relating to the use of Physical Intervention and Searching. (See Searching Children Procedure and Restrictive Physical Intervention Procedure)
1.2.10	The Group Leader must ensure that Parent(s) have been consulted/informed and consents obtained from them (Care Programme's for Looked After Children contain a Consent form).
1.2.11	If the child is being moved or transferred to another placement, the Group Leader must ensure that the child’s belongings/valuables are packed/carried together with an Inventory.  If this is not possible, the Group Leader should check that arrangements are in place and reassure the child.
1.2.12	The Group Leader should ascertain whether the child will require medication and make suitable arrangements for obtaining, storing, administering and recording the medication.   See Section: Procedure for Administration and Recording of Medication during time away from the home in Medication and First Aid Procedure. If the child is travelling overnight the Group Leader should carry a copy of the consent from those holding Parental Responsibility.
1.2.13	All Staff/Carers must carry ID cards.

1.3 Insurance

The Continuum Group maintain suitable Public Liability Insurance. It is important that the Staff take the necessary precautions to not invalidate that insurance.

Normally, children are insured fully under the company insurance policy for any trip or visit or holiday within the United Kingdom. Where children are undertaking adventurous or hazardous activities provided by a centre or supervised by another company, the Group Leader must ensure they carry suitable insurance cover, and that Staff who may have unsupervised contact with children have had Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Checks.

Holidays outside of the United Kingdom may require additional insurance for travel.

A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) needs to be applied for prior to the holiday taking place if travelling outside of the United Kingdom.

See Holiday's Procedure.

1.4 Financial Arrangements and Meals

The Group Leader must ensure that suitable funds are available and that arrangements are in place for meals and accommodation.

1.5 Risk Assessment

It is not necessary to undertake a separate Risk Assessment for a repeated activity/trip unless there is a significant change e.g. in Staff/child circumstances or variation in location.  Where a range or series of activities may be undertaken (the transporting of children to and from school, a series of supervised contacts, the undertaking of routine activities), the Manager may approve a Risk Assessment and associated arrangements such as Staffing levels for a period; and then set a date for the review of the assessment/arrangements.

1.5.1	The Manager or person delegated to oversee the activity must approve a completed risk assessment in advance.
1.5.2	A risk assessment for a visit need not be complex but it should be comprehensive.  It does not generally require technical formulae or professional health and safety expertise, but specialised information for some visits may be necessary and Managers must ensure that the person assessing is competent to do so.
1.5.3	A formal assessment of the risks that might be met on an activity should have the aim of preventing the risks or reducing them. Children must not be placed in situations which expose them to an unacceptable level of risk.  Safety and protection of all concerned must always be the prime consideration.  If the risks cannot be contained or managed, the activity must not take place.
1.5.4	The risk assessment should be based on the following considerations as well as those described in Section 1.2, Planning and Authorisation
	What are the hazards? Whom might they affect? What safety measures need to be in place to reduce the risk to an acceptable level? Can the designated Group Leader put the safety measures in place? What steps will be taken in an emergency, including what should happen in the event of the Group Leader becoming incapacitated?
1.5.5	In undertaking the risk assessment for extra-ordinary trips (e.g. outside the norm for the home/service), the Group Leader must consult all other Staff taking part and children who are capable of making informed decisions, record the risk assessment, arrange for it to be seen and signed off by the Manager and then provide copies for all Staff/Carers taking part.  One copy must be left with the Manager.
1.5.6	Frequent activities/visits to local venues such as swimming baths, or where a child is transported to and from school, may not need a risk assessment for each trip; but the Manager must ensure that a risk assessment is completed for the series/range of activities/visits; and a date set for the review of the risk assessment.
1.5.7	Alternatively, a risk assessment which has been agreed for a series or range of activities/visits must be reviewed immediately after any information comes to light, or any event/incident occurs which compromises the safety of the children/Staff.  In such circumstances, the activities/visits must be suspended until a review has taken place and the Manager is satisfied that a suitable new risk assessment has been completed.
1.5.8	The Group Leader should take the following factors into consideration when assessing the risks
	The type of visit/activity and the level at which it is being undertaken. The location, routes and modes of transport. The competence, experience and qualifications of the Staff. Ratios of children to Staff. The group members’ age, competence, fitness, and temperament, and the suitability of the activity. The healthcare needs of the children. The quality and suitability of available equipment. Seasonal conditions, weather and timing. Emergency procedures The need to monitor risks throughout the activity. The children’s backgrounds. i.e. offending, mental health issues, disabilities, risk of self harming or suicidal behaviour, health, absconding, child protection, drugs.
When approving the Risk Assessment and subsequent plan for the activity, the Manager should determine what latitude the Group Leader has to change the plan, the need for a contingency plan, an ‘on call’ or backup procedure to provide support, advice or direction to the Group Leader once the activity has started.

1.6 Prepare the Children:

As soon as practicable before the activity is due to start, the children should be notified of the following.

1. The intention to involve the children in the planning.
2. An explanation of the proposed activity, including its aims and objectives.
3. Expectations about their behaviour and the implications of poor behaviour.
4. Appropriate and inappropriate personal contact including sexual activity.
5. Emergency procedures and safety precautions.
6. Rendezvous procedures.
7. Dangers e.g. coastal visits, mountain walking.
8. What clothing they will require.

1.7 Adventurous Activities

There are a number of activities that require qualified instructors.  These activities include: caving, climbing, mountain walking, trekking, water sports etc.  If a qualified instructor is required, the instructor must furnish the Group Leader with a copy of relevant qualifications and liability insurance.

If instructors/Staff are not employed by The Continuum Group, the Group Leader must satisfy him/herself that they are reputable and have up to date Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks.

The Group Leader must ensure that relevant documentation has been checked by them - evidencing Risk Assessments and checks regarding the qualifications of supervising Staff Staff.

1.8 Accommodation

1.8.1 Accommodation (Indoors)

1. The immediate accommodation area should be exclusively for the group’s use.
2. There should be appropriate heating and ventilation.
3. The accommodation must be safe i.e. locks on doors.
4. The accommodation must have adequate fire precautions, procedures including fire exits and alarms.
5. The whole group must be made aware of the layout of the accommodation.
6. There must be adequate space for storing clothing.
7. There must be adequate lighting.
8. There should be recreational accommodation/facilities wherever possible.
9. The accommodation must be suitable to the gender mix of all parties present, allowing for privacy of toilet/bathing areas.
10. Each child should have a separate bedroom, unless the Social Worker has agreed to the sharing of rooms.
11. There should be adequate first aid facilities

1.8.2 Accommodation (Outdoors)

The above should be taken into consideration. For camping, there are numerous additional considerations to be taken into account, e.g. safety issues, security, cooking safety, fire.  All concerns should be part of the risk assessment.      

1.8.3 Sleeping Arrangements

Wherever possible, there should be separate male and female sleeping/bathroom facilities for children and Staff.  If this is not possible, a rota system must be implemented.

Staff should supervise the children at night and remain in the immediate vicinity.

A rota should be devised to enable the maximum supervision possible. The Group Leader should not retire until the children have been settled for at least one hour.

Individual/group needs must be taken into consideration at night e.g. a child may prefer not to sleep in a dormitory setting. 

Children should not share rooms unless there has been a Risk Assessment agreed by relevant Social Workers.  Sleeping arrangements must reflect the fact that Staff have considered the individual needs of and associated risks to children on the activity. Sleeping arrangements must be detailed in the plan and approved by the Manager.

Security arrangements must be implemented at night.  Wherever possible, a child should be prevented from absconding.

1.9 Absence whilst on an Activity

If a child becomes Absent (Absent Child is the generic term for children who are missing, whose absence is Unauthorised or who have Absconded), it will be necessary to follow the procedures set out in Absent/Missing Children Procedure.

In relation to journeys undertaken by Escort Staff:

1. All journeys outside of the Secure Training Centre, Court, Police Station or Secure Children’s Home present potential opportunities for children to abscond.
2. Escorting Staff must make every effort to prevent absconding or attempted absconding, using the minimum and proportional use of physical control if necessary.
3. Mechanical type handcuffs used on adult offenders are not permitted, and handcuffs of any other type are only allowed under the most extreme circumstances requiring the consent of the Operations Director or Escort Manager. This decision will be discussed with the Authority.
4. Escort Staff escorting children in insecure areas must maintain a physical hold of the child’s arm at all times preferably one at each side.
5. Toilet visits must be undertaken with the greatest of care and sensitivity, whilst maintaining safety and security.
6. Courtroom appearances create an increased risk during the hearing of the case, and escort Staff must pay continual attention to the child. Wherever possible, arrangements should be made for the child to be allocated a secure room close by the courtroom.
7. Children may feign illness in order to abscond whilst at hospital or receiving treatment elsewhere. Escort Staff must be continually vigilant and stay with the child at all times.
8. The emotional setting of a family funeral could prompt an unconscious lowering of concentration by the escort Staff and create a potential to abscond. Therefore, although retaining the reverence of the occasion, the escorts must remain alert.

2. Transporting Children

This section must be read in conjunction with Section 1, Visits, Trips and Activities, which sets out the arrangements for planning and organising activities including day trips, educational visits, home visits and the escorting of children to and from Court, Secure or other placements.

Escort Service Staff must take account of the following arrangements in conjunction with procedures exclusive to the Escort Service contained in Escort Service Procedure.

2.1 General Arrangements

All Staff should be aware that transporting of children whose behaviour regardless of age can be unpredictable, needs to be carefully planned and risk assessed (see Section 1.5, Risk Assessments) before occurring. Consideration must be given to the likelihood of predictable problems during any journey.

These procedures apply to the use of company and personal vehicles used for the transporting of children.  Before Staff use their own vehicles, they are required to produce a valid tachograph disk, MOT, Insurance Certificate including Business Use, and valid driving licence. Managers must check these documents every six months.

The Escort Service will usually provide a minimum of 2 Staff.  Children’s Homes Managers may permit one member of Staff for specific journeys where the risks are assessed as minimal or low.  For distances in excess of 300 miles, two drivers will be required; drivers must share the driving.

The following must be taken into account:

a.	Passenger safety
b.	Competence of the driver
c.	Awareness of driver’s hours
d.	Traffic conditions
e.	Contingency funds and arrangements in case of breakdown/emergency
f.	Weather
g.	Journey time and distance
h.	Stopping off points for long journeys and toilet breaks - 15 minutes every 2 hours
i.	Appropriate seat belts or restraints (below) must be used and fastened (see end of this section, below, for requirements)
j.	The transport must have a first aid kit and fire extinguisher
k.	A mobile telephone should be taken/carried by the Group Leader and each member of Staff likely to be separated from the Group Leader. If mobile ‘phones are not carried, suitable arrangements should be made to enable communication between Staff undertaking the activity.  The mobile should be checked to ensure the battery is operational, that necessary numbers are available and that the phone works. ‘Hands Free’ kits must be used with mobile phones.
l.	Each company car contains a ‘mileage book’. This book is to be completed on the completion of all journeys and identifies areas such as mileage, petrol and the journey details. At the front of each book is a front sheet explaining guidance on how to complete this requirement.
m.	Before starting any journey, the Group Leader must undertake the following checks of the vehicle: Ensure the vehicle is clean externally and internally, and does not contain any items which may be hazardous. Check of water, fuel, engine oil and brake fluid. Check brakes. Check of tyre pressures (including the spare). Check of jack and wheel brace. Check fire extinguishers. Where they are fitted, ensure that child proof lock is activated, thereby preventing the rear door being opened from inside the vehicle. Check that tax disc is correct/in place at both ends of journey.

2.2 Transport Arrangements – Driving Abroad

1. Competence of driver (driving on the right)
2. Insurance Cover
3. Risk Assessment
4. Maps etc.
5. Ability to communicate (speak different language)
6. Breakdown Cover
7. Passport Control
8. Extra Vehicle Checks

A First Aid Kit, Fire Extinguisher and Emergency Triangle must always be carried in the vehicle. 

Where outdoor activities are planned, suitable First Aid Kits should be carried away from the vehicle.  If an accident occurs, it must be reported and recorded.

Before setting out the Group Leader must ensure that suitable mechanical checks are undertaken in relation to the vehicle.

2.3 Seat Belts and Restraints

The following applies unless the person has a valid medical exemption, from a medical practitioner. The driver must ensure that seat belts are worn by all passengers at all times when vehicles are in motion.

	Front Seat	Rear Seat	Whose Responsibility
Driver	Adult seat belt must be worn if fitted		Driver
Child aged under 3 years of age	Correct child restraint must be used	Correct child restraint must be used. If one is not available in a taxi, may travel unrestrained	Driver
Child from 3rd birthday up to 135cms in height (approx. 4’5”) (or 12th birthday, whichever they reach first)	Correct child restraint must be used.	Correct child restraint must be used where seat belts fitted. Must use adult belt in rear seat if correct child restraint not available: in a taxi; or for a short distance in an unexpected necessity; or if two occupied child restraints prevent fitting of a third	Driver
Child 12 or 13, or over 135cms (approx. 4ft 5ins) in height	Adult seat belt must be worn if available	Adult seat belt must be worn if available	Driver
Adult passengers	Adult seat belt must be worn if available	Adult seat belt must be worn if available	Passenger

2.4 Transporting Children

Staff will be involved in the transportation of young people to and from various settings e.g. school, home visits, activities, court etc.  When undertaking such duties, Staff must firstly ensure that they have shown their driving license to a Manager. 

When transporting or escorting young people it is necessary for the Group Leader to take account of the procedures in Activities (which sets out the arrangements for planning and preparing escorts/activities).  The additional points should also be noted:

1. Where a Risk Assessment states that two Staff should accompany the child (the Escort Service usually arranges for a minimum of two Staff) the child should never be left alone whilst on the activity.  Children over the age of 12 may be allowed to sit in the front of vehicles if the arrangement is approved by the Manager. If children are required to sit in the rear of vehicles, wherever possible they should be accompanied by Staff.  This should always be risk assessed.
2. Children may not hold or be responsible for vehicle keys, when not in use vehicle keys must be kept in a safe place away from the reach of young people.  Young people may not use the main controls of vehicles, steer cars or use petrol pumps.  Young people may use the radio/stereo controls at Staff discretion.
3. All vehicle occupants must wear suitable seat belts or restraints at all times when in vehicles. (See Seat Belts above).
4. Children being transported by the Escort Service may be searched by certified Custody Officers in relation to business authorised by the Youth Justice Board.
5. Children, Staff and other passengers may not smoke in company vehicles.
6. If it is assessed that a child may be distressed whilst in the vehicle or a child becomes distressed to the extent that the safety of the vehicle or occupants may be compromised, the vehicle must be stopped; preferably in a lay-by or suitable stopping place.  However, the vehicle may have to be stopped at the side of the road or on the hard shoulder of a motorway. In these circumstances, the hazard warning lights should be activated and, if safe to do so, the occupants should get out of the vehicle and stand well away from the road, and the emergency services must be summoned.
7. If the safety of the occupants is compromised, with the risk of injury or damage to property, Physical Interventions may be used or the Police should be called to assist. In exceptional circumstances Escort Staff may use Handcuffs. See Restrictive Physical Intervention Procedure and The Police Procedure.
8. If there is any likely or known risk to the young person or others, e.g., a history of violence, the young person may abscond or is refusing to go, the Group Leader should consult the Manager for advice on how to proceed but, as a minimum, should ensure the following:
   1. Children must sit in the rear of the vehicle, preferably not behind the driver, with each child supervised by a minimum of one member of Staff.
   2. Staff must be clear when it may be appropriate to use Physical Intervention and what techniques may be appropriate. See Restrictive Physical Intervention Procedure and The Police Procedure.
   3. Children must not sit behind, or be able to distract the driver.
   4. The Group Leader must be satisfied that no items, which could be used as weapons, are available to the child. These could include tools, aerosols, pens etc.
   5. Care should be taken when getting in and out of vehicles. This is the time when holds are phased down or released depending on the circumstances.
   6. Some thought should be given to action on arrival at destination - will more Staff be needed? Is a room available? Is it easy to get the car close to the destination, and is it possible to avoid other children becoming involved?
   7. If the potential risks cannot be managed safely, the activity must not go ahead and, if necessary, the Police called to assist.
9. The Group Leader must consult the Manager to decide whether it is necessary for timely/regular calls to be made to the home/Manager during the activity. 

2.5 Vehicle Breakdown

If the  vehicle has a breakdown when carrying children, the driver will if possible, move the vehicle to a safe position, switch on the vehicle ‘hazard’ lights and immediately inform the home/Manager of the following:

• The exact location
• The mobile telephone number
• The registration number of the vehicle
• The nature of the vehicle problem
• The number of children in the vehicle and their names
• The number of Staff in the vehicle and their names
• Whether police assistance is required

The Staff and children should remain in the vehicle until assistance arrives or as directed by a Manager/the emergency services or as circumstances dictate (e.g. if Staff and children are unsafe).  For Escort Staff, see Section 10 'Vehicle Evacuation' (Escort Service Procedure).

The Manager should come to a decision about enabling the Staff/children to continue their journey, which may mean replacing the vehicle.

Where police assistance is required at the scene (e.g. for Staff escorting children), the local police will be contacted and their assistance sought.

Where it is not possible to replace the vehicle in a reasonable period of time, the following will be considered:

• Hiring a replacement vehicle from a supplier near to the scene of the breakdown.
• Moving the children to a suitable establishment near to the scene of the breakdown.
• Police assistance, whilst a replacement vehicle is located.
• Using a vehicle breakdown service to visit the scene and repair the vehicle.

The intended destination for the Staff/children must be contacted, informed of the delay and supplied with an estimate of the expected time of arrival.

In relation to the escort Service, the Authority is to be informed by telephone within 24 hours of an occurrence.

2.6 Vehicle Involved in Road Traffic Accident

Where a vehicle is involved in a road traffic accident, the driver must stop the vehicle.

The driver/Staff must first check whether any of the children or Staff have injuries.

In the event that injuries have been sustained, the 999 system should be used to request police and where appropriate ambulance assistance.

The emergency services should be supplied with the following information:

• The exact location of the accident.
• The mobile telephone number
• The registration number of the vehicle
• The nature of the injuries to persons and damage to vehicle
• Information about the escort including the name of children and Staff in the vehicle.

Unless it is unsafe to remain in the vehicle, children and Staff must remain in the vehicle.  For Escort Staff, see Section 10 'Vehicle Evacuation' (Escort Service Procedure).

The Staff should give first aid assistance, where required.

The Staff should notify the home/Manager of the following:

• The exact location of the accident.
• The mobile telephone number
• The registration number of the vehicle
• The nature of the injuries to persons and damage to vehicle
• The names of Staff/children involved.
• Whether the vehicle is capable of continuing the journey.

Requests for additional Staff necessary to provide safety and security for the children and/or to replace those who are injured.

The Manager will make arrangements to supply any additional Staff or support required as a result of the accident.

The driver of the vehicle will supply, to the driver of any other vehicle involved, or to any other person having reasonable ground for requesting, the following details:

1.       Drivers name and address.
2.       Name and address of vehicle owner.
3.       The registration number of the vehicle.
4.       Details of company vehicle insurance.

The driver should obtain similar details from any other driver(s) involved, and/or the name and address of the owner of any property damaged in the accident.

Injuries to children and/or Staff will be dealt with according to the nature of the injuries as follows:

• The Staff, using materials from the first aid kit, may deal with any minor scratches, cuts or bruises.
• The  vehicle may be driven to the nearest hospital accident and emergency department, and injuries treated there.
• The ambulance service will be called to transport to hospital, those who have serious injuries.

Any child taken to hospital by ambulance will be accompanied by a member of Staff (2 Staff for children being escorted) For Escort Staff, see Escort Service Procedure, Section 20 'Bedwatches'.

2.7 Vehicle Fire

The driver of the  vehicle must stop the vehicle immediately, (having regard to road safety), if there is a suspicion of a fire.

The overriding factor in this situation is the safety of the children;they should be removed from the vehicle if they may be in any danger (For Escort Staff, see Section 10 'Vehicle Evacuation' (Escort Service Procedure)

For children being transported by the Escort Service, if the children are allowed out of the vehicle they will remain in legal custody under the supervision of the escort Staff.  The children should be kept as near to the vehicle as is safely possible and out of public gaze.

Each vehicle is equipped with at least one fire extinguisher, and the driver will use this where appropriate to tackle the fire.

The driver should use the mobile telephone to call the emergency services using the 999 system, where this is possible and desirable.

The emergency services should be supplied with the following information:

• The exact location of the accident.
• The mobile telephone number.
• The registration number of the vehicle.
• The nature of the fire and injuries to persons and damage to vehicles.
• The names of the child(ren) and Staff in the vehicle.

The driver will contact the Home/Manager and supply the following information:

• The exact location of the incident.
• The mobile telephone number.
• The registration number of the vehicle.
• The nature of the injuries to persons and damage to vehicles.
• The names of child(ren) and Staff in the vehicle.
• Whether the vehicle is capable of continuing the journey.
• Requests for additional escort Staff necessary to ensure safety and security and/or replace those who are injured.

In relation to Escorts, the Manager must inform the Authority and complete the actions listed above.  The Manager will make arrangements to supply any additional Staff required as a result of the incident.

2.8 Illness to Children in Transit

If a child complains of illness during a journey, the driver will stop the vehicle and the Staff will undertake an assessment of the condition of the child.

The Staff should consider the possibility that the illness is being feigned as part of an abscond attempt, but err on the side of caution and bear in mind that the health of the child is the first consideration.  The Home/Manager should be consulted but the options available to the Staff are as follows:

• Return the child to the home or STC for her/him to be treated there if there are medical services available.
• Take the child to the nearest hospital outpatient department.
• Request an ambulance to visit the scene to convey the child to hospital.
• Continue the journey to the intended destination, but contact the Home/Manager and arrange for a doctor to be available on arrival.

Any child taken to hospital will be accompanied by Staff (for Escort Services, at least two Staff). For Escort Staff, see Escort Service Procedure, Section 20 'Bedwatches'.

The Manager should be kept informed of all decisions/actions until the matter is resolved.

2.9 Self-Harm, Suicide and Attempted Suicide

Also see Self Harming Procedure.

Staff who find a child who has attempted suicide or self-harm will give the child first aid and obtain medical assistance. Where emergency medical assistance is required, an ambulance will be called, using the 999 emergency system.

In these circumstances, the following information will be supplied to the Home/Manager as soon as possible after the incident:

• Name of the child
• Location of the incident
• Details of the incident
• Condition of the child
• Details of medical assistance obtained

The Manager will inform senior Managers, as required in Notifiable Events Procedure, and will come to a decision about how to manage the situation from here-on-in.

2.10 Traffic Congestion

The Staff will take into account any known traffic problems when planning trips.

In the event of traffic congestion likely to seriously disrupt the journey, the driver should inform/consult the home/Manager, providing details of the traffic congestion and indicating the likely delay.  People at the intended destination should also be notified, by the home/Manager if necessary.

End