Leading a school ski holiday

[NobbyNobbs]

I've decided to take the plunge and organise a ski holiday to Europe next February half-term. I'm an experienced teacher, quite an experienced skier and have organised and led residentials in this country.

I've launched the ski trip and, despite approaching 10 ski companies from all around the UK, I cannot get a quote that is under £1K. For all you skiers out there, you know how costly the trip is. This cost covers everything.

I've already had 3 pupils ask me whether they are paying for the 5 members of staff to go. I've explained that, the company decides the ratio and for every x amount of pupils going, 1 staff member is paid for. The conversation took place in the first actual ski meeting and, despite my answer, left me feeling a little hounded. I also explained simply that, without staff, the holiday for them wouldn't happen.

Whilst it appeared to them to be a 'jolly' for us adults, the reality is 'loco parentis', being aware and on duty 24/7, being away from our own family's, the personal expenditure of getting kitted out - all mounts up to a school trip that will cost us! Still, the 3 pupils who persisted in the questioning looked sceptical and I fear others have been influenced. I anticipate some parental 'view's soon enough and I'm wondering how some of you have handled this. Have any of you got any advice?

Frankly, I feel like saying that perhaps they should ask their own parents to take them as they clearly think that we are on the make, but of course, I can't say that.

You could suggest that instead of paying for cost of the skiing, accommodation and transport for the staff, they could instead pay the staff minimum wage for the duration. I suspect that would come out as more.

Parents may have a better understanding of why it would be unreasonable for you to have to pay to go.

I hadn't thought of that - tempting!

I just tell them staff places.are free and part of the reason we chose that trip company, as it was better than the quotes from others.

I suppose the cost is expensive and there are probably students who would love to go and can't afford it, but equally I would emphasize that staff are giving up their holiday to run this trip and therefore deserve to be treated with respect.

If the students would like to organise their own trip and can find a cheaper price, they're of course free to do that!

You will absolutely get these comments, I'm afraid. Parents really do think it is a free holiday for the teachers - you see the comments on MN threads all the time.

I would be transparent and unapologetic about this from the start. It sounds like it's too late to address in the launch but I would have a slide along the following lines or a paragraph in the letter home:

"The cost to pupils also covers the basic costs for accompanying adults. The ratio of x to 1 is set by the ski company for safety purposes and is also a condition of our insurance.

I would like to thank [teachers' names] in advance for giving up their half term and time with their families to accompany the trip and make it possible. Teachers receive no additional pay for accompanying school trips in the holidays and will be on duty in loco parentis 24 hours a day during the trip."

I would then verbally make a joke about how although the teachers will no doubt have some fun on the trip it is very much not a holiday for them.

I have some absolutely hair-raising anecdotes about incidents which occurred on school trips. I also, very sadly and coincidentally, know two teachers who were involved in international trips where a pupil died and I have absolutely no patience with parents who want to suggest that international trips in the holidays are merely a free jolly for the staff.

Whenever we hold residentials in the UK and overseas we always have a parent information evening and we explain this there and then for any avoidance of doubt.
It’s certainly not a ‘free holiday’ - you’re actually technically working more hours as you are on call for 24 hours a day with no extra financial remuneration.
Without staff then these trips wouldn’t happen.

Only now coming back to this - really grateful for everyone's advice and input. It all helps.

We've had loads of interest, but there are still one or two pupils who are chatting about this to their groups of friends. I clearly need to develop a thicker skin!