The Government has issued new guidelines to Local Education Authorities and Schools with a view to raising the safety standards in place on school-led adventure activity trips. Currently, schools are not required to have a licence to take children on adventure activities, unlike professional adventure course providers. The new guidelines suggest that Education Authorities appoint an outdoor education adviser to monitor trips organised by schools, and additionally each school should designate a member of staff to be responsiblet for co-ordinating the trips. Teachning unions have criticised the increased regulation, and suggested that the increased burden of regulation will reduce the opportunities available to school children to participate in adventure activities. More infohere.
