School Tours: what you need to know

March 2026

School tours are an important part of school life. They give pupils the chance to learn outside the classroom, explore new places and enjoy shared experiences. To help keep these trips safe and enjoyable, here’s are some things to keep in mind when planning a school tour.

School tours are automatically covered under the Custodian School Protection Policy if they are approved, controlled, and conducted as a School Related Activity by the Board of Management. 

This means the Board of Management must be satisfied that the tour is properly planned, managed and safe for pupils to take part in.

A little planning goes a long way. Before confirming any trip, schools should:  

• Choose venues, transport, and activities suitable for the age and capacity of pupils. 
• Obtain signed permission slips from parents/guardians. 
• Ensure venues have their own insurance and request written confirmation. Avoid venues without appropriate insurance.

Good supervision is essential for any school tour. When deciding the right level of supervision, consider:  

• The number of pupils attending  
• Their age and individual needs Their age and individual needs - Pupils may require closer supervision outside the school environment 
• The activities planned  
• Parent Volunteers: 

Parents who help on tours play an important role — and they are covered under the policy as volunteers.  

To support them, school tours should ensure volunteers: 

• Are always be accompanied by a teacher  
• Are properly briefed on their responsibilities

• Schools should avoid signing disclaimer forms from activity centres, as this could expose them to uninsured losses. 
• Activity centres must have their own insurance to cover liabilities arising from their activities.

• Conduct a risk assessment before the tour to identify potential hazards and implement safety measures. 
• Consider factors such as venue, activities, transport, insurance, supervision, and any special needs (e.g., medication).

If you have questions or need assistance, contact Allianz with your policy number at  01 613 3966, email  [email protected], or reach out to your Local Representative.