As an Early Childhood Ireland member your insurance policy covers taking the children in your service on outings, provided the following conditions have been met:
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If the children are being transported in cars belonging to staff members it is important to ensure that the driver’s personal insurance policy permits them to carry passengers.
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Any trip that involves children leaving the childcare premises requires the written consent of parents, in advance.
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All groups leaving the service should have a minimum of two adults.
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The ratios for outings are as follows:
1 adult to 3 children for children in the 1 to 4 age bracket.
1 adult to 8 children in the 5 to 12 year age bracket. -
Can parents be included in the adult/child ratio? For outings, the preschool regulations apply, all adult/child ratios must be maintained. However, insurance ratios also apply. Parents are acceptable to be included in the increased adult/child ratio required for insurance. The minimum ratios as outlined in the regulations must be maintained by paid staff. Parents cannot have unsupervised access to other people’s children. Parents do not require garda vetting for outings.
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Remember if using public transport to ensure that each child has his or her own seatbelt and seat
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There should be one hands free supervisor/manager present at all times to oversee the outing.
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Remember to bring a Register of Children, which should include the emergency numbers and contact details of all children.
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If you are planning to run a summer camp take a look at the Early Childhood Ireland Childcare Insurance Guidelines for camps taking place during the holiday period.
Informing Early Childhood Ireland of Outings
In order to inform Early Childhood Ireland of any outings that may be taking place in your service you can simply complete the following form:
