School residential

[itsnotgreatisit]

I’m running my first residential trip (field trip). I’ve been on several but never actually been in charge before. I’ve got concerns about a student, who without giving too much detail is rather unstable. Not aggressive, just very poor mental health and under Camhs . School have ensured we have enough staff (one more than we actually need) but just feeling uncomfortable about them attending. I think my safeguarding lead isn’t taking it seriously enough and wondered if anybody has any advice? I’m probably just over worrying. I was hoping they would decide not to go.

Go through your risk assessment with your SENDCo and health and safety leads and check that you’ve covered every eventuality. Things like locked doors and windows, access to sharp objects, supervision, etc.

We’re staying in a centre and likely to be other schools there. I won’t have control over sharps, such as access to cutlery etc and obviously won’t be supervision all the time, like during the night (I’m not staying up all night !) I assumed the school would say they couldn’t go as they were a risk. Is the school allowed to say this ? Obviously the student isn’t badly behaved. I will go and speak to the senco when we’re back.

I like the student and would like them to go, but worried about the responsibility in case something awful happens.

I would raise your concerns to SLT / HT and also the fact why you think the safeguard lead is not taking you seriously. The issue as you rightly point out is that the student will not be under 24 hour supervision, only day time.

He might be different in a different environment - maybe this is what he needs to be away from school for a few days? I would definitely involve the SENCO and take advice from them. If he is self harming, then I’m afraid I would be saying it would be a definite no to him going. It’s too much of a risk. Harsh but he will become a liability.

You should ask for an individual risk assessment for the child

Convey concerns and requests via email.