* Teachers will be instructed to undertake continuous risk assessment on school trips to take into account changes in weather conditions under new safety guidance to be issued before the end of term.
They will also be advised to seek advice from local experts on the hazards that occur when conditions change. David Hart, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, met Department for Education and Skills officials this week to discuss the health and safety needs of pupils on educational visits.
He said: “It looks as if the DFES is going to be issuing guidance which will be answering our queries and concerns. The new guidance will help heads and school governors enormously. It will make it very clear what schools can expect from party leaders.”