Coronavirus (COVID-19): school and youth work visits and trips

Update 22 December 2021

This guidance has been updated to be in line with the Scottish Government Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on reducing the risks in schools, which was updated on 17 December 2021.

In line with that guidance, domestic school day and residential trips can continue, however local authorities and schools will wish to consider the risk assessment for any trip in detail and all additional mitigations that apply due to the update on guidance relating to schools. Pre-visit testing for staff and pupils is strongly recommended. In line with the Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on reducing the risks in schools any groupings should be maintained for the duration of the trip.

Bookings for January 2022 onwards can be maintained at the current time, but authorities, schools and venues should ensure that mitigations are in line with the updated in-school guidance. Those organising school trips should ensure that adequate insurance is in place, including that there is an appropriate agreement in place with providers about cancelation terms

Overview

This guidance is for those organising visits for school-aged children, including local authorities and their associated schools, grant-aided schools and independent schools, and youth work providers organising residential stays. It sets out the current position in relation to organised visits and trips for school-aged children.

School day visits and residential stays are permitted subject to certain mitigations. This guidance reflects the change in the balance of risks following the emergence of the Omicron variant. It sets out that local authorities and schools should continue to apply the mitigations that are currently in place, as well as reintroducing some measures that had previously been relaxed. It should be read alongside the Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on reducing the risks in schools.

It does not cover routine and expected off-site visits including but not limited to: movement between education establishments to support learners with additional support needs or to partake in a school-college partnership.

Schools should consider the Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on reducing the risks in schools when making arrangements for routine and expected off-site visits. It is important to note that school trips are also subject to any relevant local authority guidance or procedures that may be in place.

All of the guidance set out below is aligned with the successful progress of school and broader societal reopening as set out within Coronavirus (COVID-19): Strategic Framework.

This guidance is therefore subject to change and schools, youth work providers and visit providers should consider the conditional nature of this guidance when planning visits and trips.