School trips back on the curriculum

The government is to cut red tape surrounding school trips in an effort to reduce the fear of compensation claims and get children out of the classroom.

Unhappiness over risk assessments and worries they will be held responsible if things go wrong have put teachers off taking children out.

But ministers say school trips help young people explore and learn about risk - an essential life skill.

"If children are not safe, they cannot be happy, healthy or reach their full potential," said Children's Minister Kevin Brennan. "But we can't wrap them up - they need to learn about taking risks so they can protect themselves."

New "Out and About" guidelines will aim to help teachers identify benefits and risks, while popular destinations such as museums, field study centres and farms will be encouraged to apply for quality badges identifying them as high-quality, interesting but safe.

"This is a major step in the right direction towards simplifying regulation and reducing bureaucracy," said Tom Mullarkey, chief executive of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

"Teachers need support and guidance, not endless unnecessary form-filling and this initiative will be widely welcomed in staff rooms throughout the country."

Meanwhile, in North Yorkshire, organisers said they were blaming health and safety requirements and a mountain of bureaucracy for the cancellation of a traditional Shrove Tuesday pancake race for choristers and children through the cathedral town of Ripon.