Whilst delivering External Visit Co-ordinator (EVC) training recently, one of the delegates arrived in his Outdoor Education branded fleece and contributed to many of the day’s discussions. Chris Chorley is the Executive Headteacher at St Vigor & St Johns and St Aldhelm’s which are part of the Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust. He strongly believes in getting the pupils outside for breaks and lunchtimes and indoor playtimes on a rainy day do not exist. The school’s uniform list includes mandatory wellies and there is a plentiful supply of spare boots and coats if needed. The muddy field is used all year round and it is often too churned up for the football team to use, so they frequent a nearby recreation ground for matches and practice.

Another exciting feature for playtime includes three trees in the school grounds, which can be explored by pupils, providing they do not climb higher than the line that is painted on. The tallest tree is out of bounds for KS1 pupils and break time supervisors are always stationed in the field. Chris has risk assessed this activity and pupils are regularly reminded of the tree climbing rules. On EEC there is a risk assessment question set in the General area called ‘Climbing Trees’.

Sadly, Chris is finding that many of the year 5 and 6 pupils do not engage with the outdoor play ethos, as wellies are not considered cool – so they can often be found sheltering under canopies. Whilst playing outside, pupils are also allowed to play with sticks that they find, providing they keep them low to the ground.

The Health & Safety team provide face to face EVC training on 5th March 2024 and EVC virtual refresher training on 21st February 2024.

Learn more:

Tree Safety guidance
EEC risk assessments European Education Consultants
OAEP National Guidance oeapng.info
SCOEA | SC Outdoor Education Advice
EVC training Refresher Virtual 21st February 2024 and Full day face to face 5th March 2024