To ask to see risk assessment

[roseblossom75]

Regarding a school trip.
My child has SEN and this is the first school trip for him.
my anxiety is going through the roof as I just keep thinking of all the things that could go wrong.
They have said he will be on one-to-one (which I'm thankful for) and I trust the staff 100%, but there is something that just makes me feel anxious (biggest fear is him wandering off as the venue has a huge play area which is quite "open" and due to his disability he has no danger awareness).
I know I'm being over anxious and I would never stop him from doing something like this (I have filled the forms in etc) but I'm wondering if I would be able to ask to see the risk assessment for the trip (or would this be too extreme of me).

Evc here (ask me anything 😏) when I do ras I tend to include listed details of any Sen or additional needs anomalised. So -child a has nut allergy, so these steps are taken, this medication will be taken in these circumstances, child b.....etc. I have written individual Risk assessments for children and staff. I'd also collect risk assessments from the venue if available. I'd have no problem in parents seeing the documents. However-with some additional requirements, I'd write the risk assessment with advice from the parents or carer, the senco and the visit leader.
(Risk assessments btw should not be complex. What is the hazard, what risk does it pose, who could be affected, how the risk can be avoided or reduced? If it's more complex than that, you're doing it wrong) they are bloody boring though

Anonymised-dunno what that word I used was.

I'm an LSA working one-to-one with autistic children in a mainstream school. Please let me reassure you that my colleagues and I are extremely vigilant - particularly when off-site!

I've just been on a school trip today. The children had a marvellous time and none were lost, not even our runners or our wanderers. There were plenty of runnings-off and wanderings-away, but the staff were alert and kept all the children safe.

I am absolutely exhausted. But it was worth it for the children's enjoyment.

I hope this reassures you a bit.

Every school trip,I've done as a parent helper a risk assessment has always been done. The teacher goes through it prior to leaving. There aren't any SEN children in the class, but some with health issues like diabetes and a heart issue. They tend to go with the teacher/TA

It’s fine to ask if it’ll reassure you. :)

As for Boss, I am a little surprised. Your risk assessment should be understandable even for someone as “thick as mince”.

Very basic example:

Risk - Jane running into the road.
Likelihood - high probability
Impact of risk - injury to Jane, injury to other road users, potential fatality.
Risk management plan - Jane to be on 1:1 with a member of staff who knows her well and can provide reassurance. Staff to ensure Jane walks on the inside of the group and not near the road. Jane to wear noise cancelling earphones when walking outdoors as per care plan.

You’re more than entitled to ask to see it but perhaps consider how you ask so you don’t offend the teacher instantly. I had a parent who demanded to see a risk assessment once and was really rude and demanding about the whole thing, months later during a different conversation she explained why she wanted to see it and it was a very genuine reason so no idea why she didn’t explain that before. Your child is your priority you have every right to consider their needs

I can’t speak for other schools but the school I work in would be happy for you to see the risk assessment.
Our staff are 100% committed and take everyone’s safety very seriously and work hard to make sure that everyone has a fab time while staying safe. We have back up plans and all carry radios so we can communicate with each other at all times and are also in touch with the school throughout the day to confirm safe arrival at venue etc.
Also each group has a first aider with kit and trained staff responsible for any medical needs.
Ours is a special school and we have some students with very complex needs but we haven’t had any disasters yet, we do residential trips too and they are all planned with military precision.
Most of us are parents ourselves too and totally understand your anxiety and would be happy to discuss any issues with you before hand and try to reassure you.

I don't think it's likely to tell you anything you don't know and isn't likely to solve your anxiety at all.

Far better to speak to the teacher rather than ask for the RA which translates to you not trusting them essentially.

There are going to be more trips, visits etc so maybe rather than focussing on the schools paperwork it would be better to seek ways to resolve the anxiety in general with your doctor.