Contents

Outdoor Recreation Guidelines
Mandatory Procedures
General Supervision Responsibilities
Minimum Impact Code
Risk Management Procedures

Introduction

Schools may offer outdoor recreation activities to students who are well prepared and ready. Outdoor recreation activities are those which potentially place students at a higher level of risk than is usual at school either because of the nature of the activity or the area in which the activity takes place.

Situations of potential risk include:

• travel by a group into a remote area
• less than normal contact, in person or by telephone, to medical and other public services
• exposure of the group to the natural elements with less than the normal physical protection provided in day to day life
• confrontation with natural environment challenges requiring greater reliance upon personal resources that would normally be required in day to day life
• excursions involving activities such as bushwalking, abseiling, canoeing, skiing, cycling, overnight camping, sailing and swimming.

The following guidelines should be read in conjunction with relevant Department of Education and Training policies and procedures including:

• Care and Supervision of Students - Terms of Settlement Between the NSW Department of Education and Training and the NSW Teachers Federation 98/139 (S122) 
• Excursions Policy (PD20040010)
• Protecting and Supporting Children and Young People - Revised Procedures (PD20020072) 
• Working With Children Check Policy (PD20050264) 
• Welfare of Students While Engaged in Activities Conducted Under the Auspices of the School (PD20040019)
• Code of Conduct (PD20040029)
• Professional Responsibilities od Teachers 97/227
• Animal Welfare Policy - Schools (PD20040029)

Locations may be selected from national parks, state forests, state recreation areas, Crown lands or private property. Where appropriate, prior permission must be obtained. Schools are advised to check with the local National Parks and Wildlife Service office, police or other local authorities concerning current access restrictions and fire bans.

For activities conducted in NSW National Parks and Reserves the following should be noted

• schools visiting parks under the direction of a teacher directly employed by the school are not required to hold a commerical activity licence but they are required to obtain consent to undertake the activity from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.  This is a requirement of the National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2000.
• this process allows the schools to ensure that the area is safe to visit, facilities are available, and that activities are conducted in an environmentally and culturally appropriate manner. In some parks, bookings are required for popular camp sites and day use areas.
• consent can be obtained by contacting the local regional office of the park / reserve that is to be visited, prior to undertaking the activity.  Contact details are available fromwww.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• schools that contract licenced tour operators and activity providers to provide outdoor activities to their students must ensure the operator they contract is licenced with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and therefore a lawful operator.  This provides assurance to schools that the operator meets National Park and Wildlife Service requirements relating to safety, public liability and environmental protection.
• schools can check if an operator is licenced with the National Parks and Wildlife Service by contacting the National Parks and Wildlife Service Commercial Activity Licencing Coordinator on (02) 9995 5000.
• school group activities should comply with recognised government and industry activity standards.
• school groups are also encouraged to follow minimal impact codes of behaviour.

The teacher-in-charge or the instructor must have current knowledge of the area to be used and be certain of its suitability for the program and the group. Selection of venues must take into account:

• the age, fitness and medical condition of students
• known hazards, such as river crossings, slippery rocks, cliff faces
• exposed areas
• limited access to roads and communication.

The principal, together with organising staff, should assess each activity to determine the level
and type of supervision which needs to be provided. Aspects which should be considered in the
assessment are:

• nature and location of the activity (private inspection of the location may be required to identify potential dangers)
• number, age, maturity and gender of students
• mode and distance of travel and the route to be taken\
• skills, qualifications and experience of the adult supervisors
• the less formal relationships between teachers and students
• that the dynamics of relationships between students may be heightened
• that groups may include students with behaviour disorders and / or special needs.

NOTE

Outdoor recreation instructors engaged by schools must possess skills, experience and knowledge in accordance with industry standards.

FURTHER INFORMATION and USEFUL LINKS

The Outdoor Recreation Industry Council of NSW (ORIC)