School trips

Please find below frequently asked questions regarding school trips. If you have any queries or concerns about trips, please contact the school in the first instance. School contact details can be found in the Establishments section.

I don't want my child to go on the school residential trip. Can the school make him?

No. If you do not want your child to go on a trip we strongly advise you to talk to your child's class teacher.

The school are planning to visit places we have already been to as a family. Do my children have to go?

If the school is not asking for payment, the Education Act specifically states that children can be required to attend at places other than the school for the purposes of education and the national curriculum. Many schools have trips which can then form the basis for a substantial amount of classroom work.

My child has brought home a letter to say that there is a trip abroad. It will cost money and I can't afford it. Can I get any help with the cost?

Speak with the Headteacher. There may be a way of paying by instalments or the school having access to non-public funds from which they can help you. Future classwork will be based on the experience the children gain from such a trip so it would be disappointing if your child were unable to go.

What is the West Sussex policy on parents using their own cars to take children on school trips?

The school should check the insurance documents of any person transporting children in private cars. There would also be an expectation that all helpers who have unsupervised access to children will have undergone a police check also known as a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.

What are the staff/pupil ratios for school trips?

They are as follows:

• Under 8s (years 1-3)  - minimum ratio must be 1:6
• Under 12s (years 4-6)  - minimum ratio must be 1:10/15
• Over 11 (years 7+)  - minimum 1:15/20

 

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