27 Mar 2021

The Department for Education (DfE) have announced an update to the guidance for England stating that residential school trips could resume from 17th May. The DfE said that all dates were subject to change and all advice regarding school trips would be updated in line with the roadmap. 

UK Outdoors, the industry body for outdoor learning and activities, has welcomed the decision. Martin Smith, chair of the Outdoor Council, said:

“Day visits restarting from 12th April and residentials from 17th May are huge milestones for our sector, our staff, and schools and schoolchildren in England. We would like to specifically thank the committed officials at the Department for Education and local MPs who have worked so hard with our sector to ensure we can get up and running safely. Also to our member organisations and their members for their hard work and patience during this period.”

Read the full DfE guidance here.

Residential activity centres are now preparing to reopen and welcome school groups from May 17 onwards, subject to government confirmation. Centres are taking extra steps to ensure that their centres are COVID safe and secure. For example, PGL have announced operational changes including:

* One-way systems

* Revised room layouts

* Use of viricidal mist deep clean treatments between stays

* Increased hand washing routines

* Staggered use times in dining areas

* Maximum guest numbers in communal spaces

Read the full PGL safety measures here.