Adventurous Activities (Self-Led)

Overview

Adventurous activities can be powerful, memorable learning opportunities. They encourage participation, support personal development and help young people build decision-making and risk-awareness skills. School-led provision can be highly effective provided it is carefully planned and competently delivered.

Planning and Approval

If you intend to lead adventurous activities in-house, you must follow your normal visit planning procedures.

All self-led adventurous activities require approval from your Educational Visits Adviser or employer.

Before proceeding, ensure that:

The activity falls within your employer’s approval framework
Leaders have been formally recognised as competent
Parental consent is informed and clearly documented
Participants are appropriately prepared
The activity is covered by appropriate insurance
Equipment is suitable
Risk assessments are undertaken

If you are unsure whether approval is required, seek advice early.

A list of adventurous activities is available in Appendix A.

Leader Competence

Leading adventurous activities requires both technical skill and sound judgement.

Your employer should have a clear process for approving leaders as competent. This may include recognised leadership awards/qualifications, relevant experience, or confirmation of competence from a suitably competent Technical Adviser.

Competence is activity and environment specific. Leaders must have the skills and experience appropriate to the level of challenge involved. Schools are responsible for ensuring that leaders remain up to date and continue to meet required standards.

Managing Risk and Challenge

Adventurous activities involve inherent risk. As Visit Leader, you must ensure that risks are identified, assessed and reduced to an acceptable level through proportionate control measures.

Where appropriate, participants should be supported to understand and manage risk themselves, in ways suited to their age/stage and ability.

Equipment, Preparation and Contingency

You must ensure that all equipment is suitable, properly maintained and used correctly. Clear emergency procedures must be in place and understood by staff before the activity begins. Participants should be thoroughly briefed so they understand expectations and responsibilities. Informed parental consent must clearly outline the nature of the activity and the measures in place to manage risk. Finally, plan for change. Weather, staffing or group dynamics may require adjustments. Sensible contingency planning helps maintain both safety and educational value.

Insurance

Before delivering any school-led adventurous activity, confirm that your insurance arrangements fully cover the activity.