Welsh Government updated their guidance on 30 April regarding educational visits. Below is a summary of the update which is available in full on the WG website: https://gov.wales/operational-guidance-schools-and-settings
“High quality educational visits play an important role in enriching teaching and learning as well as support learner wellbeing. In line with the relaxation of other restrictions, such as the reopening of indoor and outdoor visitor attractions and the resumption of indoor and outdoor organised activities, schools and settings may wish to consider undertaking domestic day visits where visiting locations outside of the school or setting estate is integral to the learning experience.
“As set out in this guidance, maximising time spent outdoors by learners has physical, mental and educational benefits. and generally the risk of transmitting COVID-19 is lower outdoors compared to indoors. However, mitigating measures such as social distancing or using face coverings where this is not possible and if relevant, and maintaining good hand hygiene, are still needed outdoors. Schools and settings are encouraged to consider this in the planning of any visits.
“Schools and settings wishing to undertake domestic day educational visits should continue to undertake the usual risk assessment processes when planning visits. This risk assessment should include arrangements if a learner develops Covid-19 symptoms during the visit. Travel time should be minimised wherever possible. Schools and settings should also consider the guidance set out elsewhere in this document, including but not limited to:
- minimising contact with others
- maintaining social distancing
- maintaining good hand hygiene
“They should also consider other relevant Welsh Government guidance, including, but not limited to:
- travelling safely (coronavirus): guidance for the public
- current restrictions: frequently asked questions
“The Outdoor Education Advisers Panel has also developed guidance which may be useful for schools and settings considering undertaking visits.
“Schools and settings considering travelling from Wales to another part of the UK or wider Common Travel Area (Ireland, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands) for the purpose of an educational visit should be mindful of any restrictions in place at the destination of their visit and follow any related guidance as well as the guidance set out in this document.
“We continue to advise against domestic residential educational visits, as well as international residential educational visits. Travel from Wales to an international destination outside the Common Travel Area is not allowed without a reasonable excuse – educational visits are not considered a reasonable excuse. We will continue to keep our advice under review.
“The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has produced information on travel insurance implications following the COVID-19 outbreak. If schools and settings have any further questions about their cover or would like further reassurance, they should contact their travel insurance provider.”