Preparing for excursions and ensuring compliance

The New South Wales Department of Education, in its capacity as the state’s Regulatory Authority, has released some guidance and information about effective planning and record keeping to minimise risk when children are engaging in excursions. 

• Ensure the information you provide is specific to your service context and the proposed outing, destination and activity.
• Provide accurate, detailed information and address all requirements outlined in the National Regulations.
• Carefully check each risk assessment and authorisation once complete to ensure all required information has been provided and no field has been left blank.

• the means of transport
• requirements for seatbelts or safety restraints under NSW law
• processes for entering and exiting the ECEC service premises
• the pick-up location or destination (as required)
• procedures for embarking and disembarking the means of transport, including how each child is to be accounted for
• the proposed route (an image of the route can be included).

• the purpose of the outing
• the proposed destination and activities
• the date and period of time children will be away from the service premises
• the anticipated number of children attending and the educator-to-child ratio
• transportation details
• confirmation that a risk assessment has been prepared and is available at the service.

• Excursion and transportation regulations
• Unpacking excursions and regular outings
• Transporting children safely, with further guidance and resources developed by Kids and Traffic

• Risk assessment and management template – Excursions 
• Excursions policy and procedure guidelines 
• Safe transportation of children information sheet