3 day school trip, Mon to Wed this week

[FlippertyGibberts]

DS is going on a 3 day school trip from Mon to Wed this week - it's an outdoor activity trip, and involves an hour and a half journey on the motorway. It seems to be going ahead, but I'm worrying about it.

What do people think? Would you send your child, or would you keep them at home?

I'd keep mine home, the coach will have air con but there's no way I'd be sending them anywhere to do outdoor activities

I suppose it depends where you are and what the expected temperature is for where they're going. I'd assume they'd be there by about 11am, so won't be on the coach during the hottest part of the day. However, I'm not sure how they're going to do much outdoor stuff the next two days. Have the site got indoor spaces and alternative activities prepared? I run sessions at a residential outdoor education centre in the South of England and we are completely closed Monday and Tuesday, as little indoor space and not much use doing indoor stuff when the school groups book to come and do outdoor things.

The Met Office forecast for tomorrow where they're going is 37C and for Tuesday is 38C. We haven't been given much info about facilities and any alternative provisions if needed TBH.

Thanks both.

Those damn staff, giving up three days of their time, being on duty 24/7 and keeping your kids safe whilst giving them new experiences, building their confidence, teaching new skills.

How old are the children? I'd be less concerned over secondary kids.

What sort of activities - water sports would be great!

Do you trust the staff and the outdoor provision to have made adequate adjustments. That’s the key to it all.

Unfortunately even teachers don't have the power to turn off the sun. I'd keep mine home, too much risk for the sake of some games outside that might even be cancelled.

Have you bothered to ask school what the plans are to ensure the children are kept ‘safe’??
This weather has been forecast for at least the last 7 days. They must have a plan.
I would send mine as I trust the people I’m sending her with to look after her. The activity centre will also had to do some serious risk assessments to ensure it all works.

Unfortunately those staff, as much as they try, cannot suit all children's needs. Especially in a heatwave! There's no teacher bashing from the OP so no need to blame the teachers

Exactly! Do people think that the organisers won't have made plans for this?

How old is the child? Maybe I'd have second thoughts for a young (year 3-4) primary age child if I couldn't trust them to be careful applying sun cream / wearing a hat / drinking enough.

But for ages 10+, I dunno. I mean if it was a school trip to Spain (where these temps are normal) they'd be going wouldn't they? Lots of older primary and secondary kids go abroad to warmer climes for their trips and survive. I'm sure the staff will look after them.

Thanks everyone - secondary age kids, no water sports, and no teacher bashing from me.

I don't think it is about whether I trust the staff at the outdoor activity centre either. Im also worried about the journey there and back. If we were booked to go there as a family Mon to Wed this week, I'd be cancelling without a doubt.

As a teenager I went on a PGL trip to South of France with school. It was that sort of temperature everyday. And there was a risk assessment in place concerning hydration, heat stroke, sun burn... all the possible scenarios.

Those sort of places have risk assessments coming out of their eyeballs.

Be aware that you won’t get your money back.

My husband is running a similar trip this week and has contingency plans coming out of his ears at this point. Don't worry about it.

I think it depends on age and your child .If fair/ginger and suffers in the sun I think I'd keep at home .
I'm ginger (well now mainly pepper and salt ) and the sun and heat have always made me feel quite ill .It's not just the propensity to burn .

Yes id let mine go. But tbh its same temps due here tomorrow and he'll no doubt go out playing football all day with mates

Mine is away with the Scouts for a week.

Better outdoors than indoors.

I think the coach should be fine. Air con and traveling early / later in the day.

Gallon of sunscreen and hats.

OK, this is the definition of a Level 4 National emergency:

Level 4: National emergency
Level 4 is reached when a heatwave is so severe and/or prolonged that its effects extend outside health and social care system, such as power or water shortages, and/or where the integrity of health and social care systems is threatened. At this level, illness and death may occur among the fit and healthy, and not just in high‐risk groups, and will require a multi‐sector response at national and regional levels.
The decision to go to a Level 4 is made at national level and will be taken following considerations of a cross-government assessment of the weather conditions, coordinated by the Civil Contingencies Secretariat (Cabinet Office).
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What I meant to say chances are the organisers will be aiming to keep them in the shade too.

I think it would be a major disappointment for kids to have mum pull the plug at this stage.

DS would be happy enough not to go actually 😄, but I'm trying not to factor that in.

I'm sure the staff will be relieved to have one less to be responsible for ,particularly if that one is sun avoidant .

Then cancel. I would not want my child to do this in temps of 37/38.