The
John Simonds Trust
Hints for Happy and Healthy Fieldwork
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Clothing
Health and Safety
Organising Your Fieldwork
Pond Dipping
CLOTHING
THIS
IS A VERY IMPORTANT ASPECT OF PRE-VISIT PREPARATION. PLEASE
COME SUITABLY DRESSED FOR A VISIT TO THE COUNTRYSIDE IN ALL
WEATHERS.
Waterproof
clothing: is essential (not just shower proof).
This includes adequate head gear.
Warm clothing: common
problems include freezing feet and not enough layers on top
halves of bodies. Stress the importance of more than one pair
of warm socks - especially if wellies are to be worn. Also
several thick layers are often warmer than one thick one.
Cool clothing: in hot
weather, be aware of the effects of the sun. Check that children
have adequate protection and take spare sun cream with you.
Spare clothing: a complete
change of clothing (including footwear) is recommended.
Footwear: wellies or at
least strong walking boots are usually best. If the trip involves
walking some way, wellies may not be comfortable. Make sure
everyone has a change of footwear.
HEALTH
AND SAFETY
The
John Simonds Trust undertakes to provide a safe environment
for children to be in. Discipline problems however, can compromise
children's safety. THE BEHAVIOUR OF CHILDREN DURING THE VISIT
IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SCHOOL STAFF. Trust educational
staff have the authority to halt a visit if safety is being
compromised. Please check the following:
Tetanus
injections: check that children are up to date
on these.
Cuts or scratches: should be protected with waterproof plasters
securely held in place.
Hand washing: ensure children
wash hands prior to eating and before departure if necessary.
Until this point children should be advised to keep hands
away from eyes, noses and mouths.
First aid kit and children's medication:
please bring these with you and notify staff of any particular
issues.
Specific safety precautions:
check if there are any associated with the specific site or
activity.
Mobile phone: always useful
- bring one if possible. Educational staff also carry phones.
ORGANISING
YOUR FIELDWORK
Pupil
- teacher ratios: make sure you have enough adult
helpers to cover the activities planned. Pupil: teacher/supervisory
adult ratios will depend on the age of the children and the
nature of the fieldwork.
PLEASE CHECK THIS WITH THE EDUCATION OFFICER PRIOR TO YOUR
VISIT.
Pre-visit: at least one
pre-visit is essential.
Tasks: be selective in deciding which activities will be most
suitable for your visit.
Teacher involvement: your
active participation in the visit sends a positive message
to children and helps to ensure an enjoyable and successful
day.
Groups: the Education
Officer will advise on the size of groups needed.
Recording information:
making the recording system as simple and quick as possible.
Bring plenty of spare pencils. Clipboards are useful (the
John Simonds Trust can help to supply these).
POND
DIPPING
Water-borne
infection: please be aware of the possibility of
infection from still or moving water. The chances of infection
are low, especially when precautions are taken (see above).
However, any child with a graze or cut who shows flu-like
symptoms within three days of being in contact with a body
of water should see their doctor and tell them exactly what
they have been doing.
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