EVC Magazine Autumn 2025_digital - Flipbook - Page 9
National Guidance
Spotlight on
National Guidance
7.1j Visiting Cities
EVOLVE Advice’s Jake Wiid outlines important considerations for your
planning and visit management
Many schools visit cities as part of their
visit programme, and the bustling
streets and iconic landmarks offer
fantastic opportunities for learning.
However, city visits come with unique
risks that require careful planning.
WHAT DOES THE GUIDANCE SAY?
OEAP National Guidance 7.1j Visiting Cities
highlights that city visits require specific
planning for risks and practical considerations.
Visit Leaders need to account for traffic
hazards such as cycle lanes, trams and oneway systems, manage the risks posed by large
crowds and public transport where groups
can easily become separated and be prepared
for safety issues such as theft or larger
security incidents.
Visit Leaders should research the destination
in advance, identify likely hazards and prepare
the group for what to expect.
As part of your briefing to students you
should discuss:
• Group safety and supervision – Who is
responsible for which group and what
should you do if you get separated?
• Identification – Travelling in uniform,
matching hats or jumpers may help you spot
your group quickly. Take a daily group photo
to help if someone becomes separated.
• Essential information – Staff and students
should carry contact phone numbers,
group information and emergency contact
information, translated if you are abroad.
• Safety – Discuss being mindful of traffic,
staying vigilant in crowds and keeping
valuables out of sight. For students with
sensory needs, show them a video of the
city, station or venue to help prepare them.
CHECKLIST
Here are some practical things to cover
when planning and leading a city visit:
Research your route and download
offline maps.
Agree on safe drop-off and pick-up
points with coach companies.
Identify toilets, eating places and safe
gathering-points in advance.
Factor in the time of day
(rush hour, evenings).
Smaller groups allow for
clearer supervision and
communication.
Plan for emergencies,
including separation
and wider incidents.
The emergency pocket
guide from EVOLVE Advice
is a useful tool.
MARTYN’S LAW
Under Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty),
larger public spaces and venues are
required to put in place safety and
security procedures to protect the public
in the unlikely event of a terrorist attack.
Consider asking venues to confirm that
they comply with Martyn’s
Law. They should be
able to tell you about
evacuation and lockdown
procedures and how they
will communicate
with you in an
emergency.
THE EVC MAGAZINE – AUTUMN/WINTER 2025-26
9
