Fieldwork

This section covers the wide range of visits that aim to develop classroom activities through practical field studies and fieldwork.

Leader competence

Before leading groups on fieldwork visits school staff must first seek visit leader approval from their Headteacher/Educational Visits Coordinator.

Approval procedure

Any approval must make clear where any of the following are intended and be obtained in time to meet local school procedures:

• activity to take place in open, remote or demanding environments
• activity to take place on, in or near hazardous water where there is a significant risk of falling in or where entry into water is planned
• activity includes an adventurous activities lead by school staff

Before the visit

Visit leaders should:

• obtain permission, in advance, from land-owners and occupiers, to work on the site and be clear about rights of way and any restrictions on access and activities
• choose sites with care, avoiding sites of special scientific interest and nature reserves (unless these specially cater for education) and seek resilient areas
• ensure that everyone is familiar with appropriate codes of conduct, such as the countryside code
• consider child protection issues carefully, particularly in areas where there is open public access
• ensure they follow the guidelines relating to remote supervision if young people will be operating away from direct staff supervision (see Remote supervision in an urban environment in the Library section). For more information please obtain a copy of remote supervision guidance notes from the Mountain Leader Training England website.

During the visit

Party leaders should ensure that:

• all party members are appropriately clothed, have appropriate foot wear and equipment
• leaders maintain a degree of supervision, appropriate to the nature of the party, including frequent checks on number and safety
• appropriate first-aid equipment and other emergency supplies and materials are carried
• collecting of such items as plants or rocks, is reduced to an absolute minimum or prohibited and that members of the party be encouraged, instead, to record by sketches, photographs and careful description
• the behaviour of the party does nothing to damage the view of field studies held by site owners or the general public, and to this end make sure that all members of the party recognise the need for good behaviour and courtesy in all their contacts with the public
• weather is monitored and that the capacity is maintained to return to the safety of the road, centre or vehicle.

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