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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU - day out with students - unhappy with arrangements.

40 replies

changedname563 · 21/05/2016 09:36

I work in a school as a TA, students aged 12/13 are having a day out soon.

Leaving school at 10.45 and walking approx. 2 1/2 miles to a local nature area to take photos. Have a picnic and walk back for 3pm.

We will be going regardless of the weather.

My concern is the lack of toilet facilities - there are NONE. Is the school BU to expect students/staff to go on the trip?

OP posts:
Original poster
changedname563 · 21/05/2016 15:55

Treeagate - I had thought about this, but have no idea on the legislation - was hoping to spend some time researching today but an unexpected situation has arisen and I haven't got that far yet!

Students were only told yesterday (Friday) so there maybe some comments/questions from parents on Monday (hopefully).

As this has taken place before I thought that I was being a bit over the top in my response - so am glad of all responses.

OP posts:
harshbuttrue1980 · 21/05/2016 17:31

Surely there would be child protection issues if staff and/or students are going to the toilet in the woods? What if one of the students sees a staff member going, or vice versa? It could easily happen. I'm a teacher, and my school has strict rules regarding toilets - staff and pupils use separate ones. YANBU - this trip shouldn't happen.

Original poster
changedname563 · 21/05/2016 17:58

Katie0705 - I hadn't seen your comments when I posted, thank you.

I haven't seen the risk assessment - so think maybe I should ask the lead teacher on Monday if I can see a copy. If I am questioned (which I will be) I can say that as I am going to be expected to have 16 students in my care then I need to know the relevant procedures and what to do in case of emergency.

OP posts:
Phineyj · 21/05/2016 18:11

This is a silly situation to let arise, assuming we are talking most parts of the UK - you're rarely that far from somewhere with facilities. National parks or the Alps are different - planning for al fresco toilets is part of the wilderness education bit.

Katie0705 · 23/05/2016 00:06

Changed...you are entitled to see the risk assessment for the reasons you state. I hope you get on well and look forward to your update. This trip is a time bomb, so thankfully you are prepared to challenge this. Good luck

Beeziekn33ze · 23/05/2016 00:19

OP, surprised the school think this is a reasonable way to conduct a trip. You should definitely speak to the lead teacher, taking another TA or teacher with you if possible.

sashh · 23/05/2016 07:58

Not sure about the kids but your employer has to provide you with toilet facilities 'at readily accessible places'.

www.hse.gov.uk/contact/faqs/toilets.htm

Original poster
changedname563 · 23/05/2016 17:34

I am sure there is H&S legislation, will take a look, thanks.

I approached the lead teacher today and she hadn't even thought about it! A parent had emailed in (after a chance meeting with me over the weekend - she had just assumed there would be toilet facilities available) to voice her concerns.

After raising this - it was suggested the students could walk a mile and a half back to the nearest shop and go in there! I suggested this would be unworkable as well. Then she came up with the sensible solution of hiring a Portaloo - but it appears that this is too expensive.....

I have asked what is written on the risk assessment as this trip has run before - the lead teacher has not seen it.

There is a meeting to discuss details this afternoon (that I am not invited to). It will be interesting to see what they do.

OP posts:
GoblinLittleOwl · 23/05/2016 18:02

Have you expressed your concerns to the teachers who are organizing the trip? What is their response?

HerRoyalNotness · 23/05/2016 18:22

How about suggesting a camping toilet (basic one is a bucket with seat) with a bin liner and kitty litter. One of those beach wind shelter things for a screen. A parent may have these things already and loan them for the trip.

Not sure what you do about the disposal on Return to school. Does the school have an incinerator?

Pearlman · 23/05/2016 19:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
changedname563 · 25/05/2016 18:35

Well, common sense has won the day!

The lead teacher - eventually - approached the HT (who initially thought she wasn't being serious!!) and there will now be a portaloo.

OP posts:
Beeziekn33ze · 25/05/2016 19:12

Well done!

kitkat1968 · 25/05/2016 19:24

The lead teacher - eventually - approached the HT (who initially thought she wasn't being serious!!) and there will now be a portaloo.

Is the nature reserve Ok with this, and the HGV access to deliver it?

Original poster
changedname563 · 25/05/2016 22:02

Yes KitKat - all sorted.

OP posts:
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