Child Adult Ratio On School Trips?

[Guest]

Hi everybody! I am an NQT about to take my Reception class of 29 on a local trip to the nearby park. Does anybody know for certain what the minimum adult to child ratio is for school trips in the FS? I have been told that it is 2 adults to every child under the age of five, although during my last school placement I took a trip with a ratio of 1:4...confused ! Five of my children are already five, so perhaps that makes some difference. If anyone can help I'd be really grateful AS ALWAYS xxx

Susie

[Marion]

Think the ratio is 1:4 We are a Foundation Stage Unit with children aged 3-5 and work on this ratio.

[Guest]

Do you mean 2 adults to every child under 5 - that sounds a bit extreme!!

 

I think, once they get to school, the ratio really changes - ie you don't need that many adults. I might be completely wrong. Could you ring your local County Council or early years advisor - they are sure to know!

[mundia]

I dont think theer is a cast in stone ratio, althougn Im happy to be corrected on this for reception. The guideleines simply say KS1. I think is 6:1 and R should be 'better'. We take this as 4:1 minimum. I think the 2:1 applies to even younger children? Im wracking my brian to lcoate where I hev read this quite recently

[Sue R]

I'm with you there, mundia and yes, I seem to have read all this quite recently, which would suggest it was here?

 

Get searching, I suppose....

 

Sue

[Gezabel]

Had a little wander but all I can find so far is this:

 

 

The DfES recommends the following staffing ratios as a general guide for visits to local historical sites and museums or for local walks:

 

· 1 adult for every 6 pupils in school years 1 to 3 (under 5s reception classes should have a higher ratio);

[Rea]

There was a discussion on this Mundia and Sue, I seem to remember that although settings with U5's like to have a ratio of 1:2 on outings these were only recommended and not mandatory. It does depend on the level of maturity of the children. I went on a trip to the park with my son 7 yrs ago there was a teacher and two adults with around 25 children. YR1. and the one adult was only there to stop her asthmatic son form playing on the equipment, running, walking too fast.... A great time was had

[Guest]

Thank you everybody for being so helpful! I've talked to the FS coordinator at my school and it seems that the 1:2 ratio is determined by the school's own policy and not by the LEA. I hope it doesn't rain - my kids will be so disappointed!

[Guest]

I work in a reception class and when we go out the ratio is one adult to five children.