§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what advice he has circulated to schools in connection with the desirability of insurance cover for(a) residential courses involving at least one night away from home, (b) day visits starting and concluding within school hours and (c) day visits extending beyond normal school hours; and what assessment he has made of difficulties for schools in meeting insurance liabilities in connection with such courses. [88235]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThe Department's 1998 publication, "Health and Safety of Pupils on Education Visits: A Good Practice Guide", strongly advises group leaders to ensure that adequate insurance is in place for all kinds of school visit, no matter when or where the visit is made. It recommends them to clarify with their LEA what insurance already exists and what additional or special cover may be needed, and gives examples. The booklet was produced after an extensive consultation, which did not suggest that schools found it hard to insure visits or meet the costs.