PEOPLE Visiting group Ratios, special needs, behaviour issues Gender issues Staffing Competence & suitable experience, reflecting the activity, the venue and the type of group, is essential. Clothing & equipment Suitability of clothing and footwear for outdoors. Safe use of equipment Allergies Allergies to plants, bee stings, etc.	Pupils School staff, Martineau Gardens staff / volunteers	Appropriate staff to pupil ratios (as decided by visiting school). Supervision levels and suitable specialist staff should be employed as decided by visiting school. School to ensure staff to be of mixed gender where appropriate. Member of Martineau Gardens staff has a valid first aid qualification. Schools should also bring along a qualified First Aider. School and Martineau Gardens should ensure that all adults have suitable competence and experience and DBS disclosure as necessary. School should ensure that clothing and footwear are suitable for the activity. Martineau Gardens staff to ensure that equipment to be used is in good working order, and to brief pupils on how to use equipment correctly and safely. The school will inform Martineau Gardens of any severe plant allergies prior to the visit and will carry appropriate medication, particularly for severe allergies.
INDOOR AREAS Toilets Supervision of pupils General safety issues Hot house Slips, trips and falls on wet floors Safety with regard to plants, e.g. cacti	Pupils School staff, Martineau Gardens staff / volunteers	School staff to supervise pupils when using the toilets. School to ensure staff to be of mixed gender where appropriate. Martineau Gardens staff to inspect toilets before school visits. Pupils will be supervised at all times and walk, not run. Pupils should only touch plants when they are told that it is safe to do so (if in doubt, ask). They must wash their hands after being in contact with plants or soil in the hot house. MORE FOLLOWS
OUTDOOR AREAS Throughout Uneven ground (trip hazard) Overhanging branches (hazard to eyes) Branches falling from trees ‘Out of bounds’ areas Soil, plants and water features are not hygienic surfaces Wildlife area Brambles and nettles Pond Bee Hives Vegetable plots / herb garden / polytunnel Edible plants Shipwreck play area Pupils’ behaviour and safety	Pupils School staff, Martineau Gardens staff / volunteers	Chippings on paths to minimise risk of trips or falls on uneven ground. Pupils and staff reminded to look carefully where they are going, particularly in the woodland with tree roots, etc. Overhanging branches to be cut back when necessary. Pupils and staff reminded to look out for vegetation at eye height. Annual inspection of trees and safety walks prior to school visits in order to identify hazards. Pupils reminded not to climb over fences or other barriers and to stay within sight of an adult. Pupils must wash their hands after being in contact with plants, soil or water features. Brambles and nettles are cut back as necessary. Brief children about safety near these plants. Pupils to be supervised when working in or near the pond. Martineau Gardens staff to explain how to use pond dipping equipment correctly and safely. Wash hands thoroughly after being in water. Cover up deep cuts beforehand. Whistle located near to pond for attracting attention in the event of an emergency. School to inform Martineau Gardens staff of any pupils or staff with allergies to bee stings. Martineau Gardens staff to ensure that children observe bee hives from a safe distance. Pupils must only eat plants after being told by Martineau Gardens staff that it is safe to do so. School to advise of any allergies. School staff to supervise pupils at all times when using the play area and equipment.
ORGANISATION Travel Transfer from coach to main entrance Emergency Procedures Accidents and major incidents resulting in injury or other unforeseen events.	Pupils School staff, Martineau Gardens staff / volunteers	Transfer from coach to main entrance to be closely supervised by school staff. Martineau Gardens staff to meet visiting groups as soon as they arrive. Emergency procedures are in place. The Visit Leader (from school) carries copies of appropriate forms, as per school policy.