EVC Magazine Autumn 2025_digital - Flipbook - Page 13
Visit planning
DAY VISIT
CHECKLIST
In any school visits programme, the day visit is your secret
weapon. With careful planning, a day out can deliver a lot
at relatively low cost, offering a huge variety of experiences
outside the classroom. Castles, theatres, concerts, factories,
museums, sports centres… they all bring the curriculum to
life and will support every part of your students’ development.
Our checklist will help you to plan and deliver a brilliant day
out every time.
1. Stay local
6. Plan with purpose
You want as much time as possible
at the venue, so avoid long, tiring
journeys and travel connections
that could go wrong. Have a flexible
schedule that allows for traffic delays
or travel disruptions.
Brief the children in advance so they
know where and why they’re going
and what their first task is, so they
arrive ready to get started.
2. Check the diary
If the visit is weather-dependent,
make sure that the planned activities
can be changed or moved indoors
or that you can reschedule at
short notice.
Make sure there are no events such
as strikes, marches or sporting events
that might affect public transport or
create extra crowds around the venue.
3. Keep it simple
7. Have a weather plan
8. Eat safely
It’s better to do a few activities well
than lots of tasks in a rush, so don’t
pack too much in. The gaps between
tasks when children can socialise are
just as important. And leave time for
some fun!
Packed lunches work best on a
day out to save time queueing and
choosing what to eat. Check that
there will be handwashing facilities
and a suitable and safe space for
the children to sit together. Be alert
to allergies.
4. Risk management
9. Communicate clearly
Do a full risk assessment before
finalising the visit – a pre-visit is
helpful. Make sure all staff and
helpers understand the safety and
emergency procedures, particularly
for public transport and group
supervision.
Issue clear instructions in advance
about drop-off and pick-up
arrangements, and send a reminder
the day before. During the visit, have
a dedicated contact at school in case
of delays or emergencies.
5. Inclusion
Consider the needs of your group
– include your DSL, SENCO and
relevant support staff in planning
your day. How will you support
individuals to participate in, and
benefit from, your visit?
And finally…
Do a final check the day before and
first thing in the morning for any
changes to transport conditions or
the weather and adapt your plan
if needed.
THE EVC MAGAZINE – AUTUMN/WINTER 2025-26
Don’t forget to assess
the visit and discuss
what worked and what
didn’t; it will help
other leaders to plan
successful future visits
See also National Guidance
at →oeapng.info
3.3e Visit Leader Checklist
4.2a Group Management
and Supervision
4.3f Risk Management –
Some Practical Advice
4.5a Transport General
Considerations
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