Learning does not only happen in the classroom. At Waterloo, educational visits, local walks, day trips and residential experiences are an important part of our curriculum and wider personal development offer.

These experiences allow children to bring their learning to life, encounter new places and people, develop confidence and independence, and create lasting memories with their friends.

An entitlement for every child

Every year group—from Nursery through to Year 6—will have opportunities to participate in carefully planned educational visits appropriate to their age and curriculum.

This entitlement includes children in our specialist provision. We are committed to ensuring that every child can participate, where their parent or carer wishes them to do so. A child will not be excluded because of a special educational need, disability, medical condition or other additional need.

We will work with families and relevant professionals to make reasonable adjustments and plan the support each child requires. This may include:

• familiarisation activities, photographs or visual information before the visit;
• adapted transport or accessible venues;
• individual staffing and supervision arrangements;
• sensory, communication, medical or personal-care support;
• adapted activities or timetables; and
• additional risk assessments and individual plans.

Wherever possible, children from our specialist provision will take part alongside their mainstream year group. We may also arrange carefully chosen visits that respond to the particular curriculum, communication, sensory or developmental needs of a specialist class.

Residential experiences

As children progress through the school, they will have opportunities to take part in residential experiences. Staying away from home can help children develop independence, resilience, teamwork, problem-solving skills and confidence.

We understand that a residential visit can feel like a significant step for some children and families. Information will be shared well in advance, and meetings will be arranged so that parents and carers can ask questions. Where a child needs additional support, we will work closely with the family to create an appropriate plan.

Participation in a residential is always subject to parental consent. No family will be placed under pressure for their child to attend.

Contributions and financial support

We work hard to keep the cost of trips and residentials as low as possible.

For visits taking place during the school day, parents and carers may be invited to make a voluntary contribution. No child will be prevented from taking part because their family is unable or unwilling to contribute. However, families should be aware that a visit may have to be changed or cancelled if insufficient contributions are received and the school cannot meet the remaining cost.

Families of children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals will normally be asked to make a reduced contribution—or, in some circumstances, no contribution at all—depending on the type and cost of the activity and the funding available. Statutory remission arrangements will be applied to eligible families where these relate to residential board and lodging.

We recognise that financial circumstances can affect any family. Parents and carers experiencing difficulty are encouraged to contact the school office or Headteacher in confidence. We will always explore what support may be available, including reduced payments, instalment arrangements or support from school funds.

Full details can be found in the Charging and Remissions Policy.

Planning visits safely

All visits are planned and approved in accordance with the school’s educational visits procedures and relevant trust and local authority guidance. Planning includes:

• an assessment of the educational value of the visit;
• appropriate risk assessment and safeguarding arrangements;
• suitable staffing and supervision;
• transport and venue checks;
• consideration of accessibility and individual needs;
• arrangements for medication, allergies and medical conditions; and
• clear information and emergency contact arrangements for families.

Parents and carers will receive full details before each visit, including its purpose, timings, clothing or equipment requirements, consent arrangements and any requested contribution.

Our aim is simple: every child at Waterloo should be able to experience the excitement, enjoyment and wider learning that trips and residentials can provide.