Participant Information and Data Protection

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Since the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we have received a number of requests for further information about how this impacts upon the collection, use and retention of participant information for educational visits.  We have also received enquiries about how data protection applies to photographs of children.

We have therefore revised and expanded upon our guidance document 4.4j Participant Information and Data Protection, and made corresponding amendments to 3.2a Underpinning Legal Framework, 4.3d Parental Consent, 4.3e Safeguarding, 4.4h Using External Providers and Facilities, 5.3b Writing an Establishment Visit Policy and 6d FAQ Retention of Documents.  We have also included a section about data protection in the new document 3.2i Contracts and Waivers.

New Guidance from the Department for Education

by Richard Basic Essentials Emergencies Evaluation and reviewing Executing the plan Good practice Model Forms Must Read National Guidance Personalised check lists Planning and Evaluation Planning and Preparation Policies planning and evaluation Roles and responsibilities Specialist activities and visits

The Department for Education (DfE) has revised its guidance “Health & Safety on Educational Visits“.  You can view the guidance here.

The guidance provides a summary of eight key points for organising educational visits, and refers the reader to OEAP’s National Guidance, which provides greater detail on each of these points.  To read the more detailed guidance, follow the links below:

  1. The 2 main types of trips:  4.3c Risk management – an overview  |  1b Foundations  |   5.2b Planning Basics for Outdoor Learning, Off Site Visits and Learning Outside the Classroom | 4.3f Risk  management – some practical advice
  2. When to get consent from parents:  4.3d Parental Consent
  3. Using outside organisations:  4.4h Using external providers and facilities  |  4.4f Assessing an adventure activity provider check list
  4. Adventure activities: caving, climbing, trekking, and watersports:  3.2f AALA Licensing  |  4.4f Assessing an adventure activity provider check list |  7a Adventure activities  |  3.2d / 4.4a Approval of Leaders  | 7o Natural Water Bathing  | 7x Swimming Pools
  5. Trips abroad:  7q Overseas expeditions |  7r Overseas visits
  6. Knowing what to do in an emergency:  4.1h Avoiding Accidents and Emergencies  |  4.1i Emergencies and Critical Incidents – An Overview   |  4.1k Visit Leader Emergency Checklist | 4.1j Off-Site Visit Emergencies: The Role of School Governors  |  4.1l / 8.1l Visit Leader Emergency Action Card – amendable version
  7. Evaluating trips:  6d FAQs: Retention of Documents  | 5.1a Establishment Self Evaluation Form  | 5.1c Learning outside and off-site visits: self evaluation using the Ofsted framework
  8. Educational visits coordinators:  3.4j Educational Visits Coordinator (EVC)  |  3.3a EVC check list

Exchange Visits and Homestays

by Richard Essential Frequently Asked Questions Legal Framework Model Forms Policies Specialist activities and visits

We have updated our guidance about exchange visits and homestays to provide greater clarity about when a DBS check may be required.  This has involved amending documents 3.2a Underpinning Legal Framework, 3.2g Vetting and DBS checks, 7f Exchanges and Homestays and creating a new FAQ 6r Hosting a Homestay.

We have also revised 8a English Homestay form (Word version) and 8b English Homestay Form (PDF version) so that they can be used to collect more of the information needed to make vetting decisions for homestays in the UK.

Jellyfish and Portuguese Man-of-War Stings

by Richard Specialist activities and visits

Recent research has called into question the commonly-accepted treatment for lion’s mane jellyfish stings.  Medical authorities have yet to have a chance to consider this research, so it is not yet included in NHS advice.  With many people heading for the sea this summer, we have updated 7e Jellyfish and Portuguese Man-of-War Stings to refer to the new research.

You can download the revised guidance here.

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE)

by Richard Legal Framework Specialist activities and visits

The Government has recently updated its guidance on Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE). As a result, and after discussions with DfE, we have made minor amendments to National Guidance document 3.2g Vetting and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), specifically about DBS checks for adults involved in homestays. We have similarly updated the document 7f Exchanges and Homestays.

You can download the revised document 3.2g here, and you can download the revised 7f here.