Hi Joanne,

I have done risk assessments to help schools plan for out of school trips in which I do quote the equality act - can send you copy if you email me. My email is gurby.sandhu@durham.gov.uk

Hi Joanne,

How disappointing and unfair to the YP. When organising the trip the school should have ensured it was accessible for all and if not then an alternative activity should have been offered or an adapted visit.

If parent and YP feel she would manage with the support of TA then this is a reasonable adjustment. However can the local Moving and Handling advisors support school in risk assessing. Could there be an area in the waterpark which is more accessible? they often have pool areas without slides (hundreds of steps) -although I must admit I have been to lots of waterparks and invariably they are not accessible sites. Changing areas are not often suitable for disabled visitors and floor surfaces are obviously very slippy.

The cobbled town visit would just need a rethink, perhaps student could be taken to an area and observe the atmosphere in a local café. Cobbles and wheelchairs are not a fun experience, is there a possibility of hiring an all terrain wheelchair?. info@allterrainwheelchairs.co.uk might be able to offer advice. Alternatively could a small group visit another town and the two groups could compare the differences i.e. a new town to an old cobbled town?

Sometimes I think because of the stresses and strains of organising these types of trips any mention of change causes huge concern when in fact with a little discussion and tweaking everyone can feel involved.

I don't see what difference a parent attending would be in terms of accessing as a parent would have to abide by the same rules as the staff. And are school willing to fund a parent place? Despite this it is unfair on the student who would not have an equal experience to peers if parent was to attend.

Fingers crossed school will listen to reason. Perhaps they could speak with other schools who have had similar experiences and gone through the similar processes.

Best wishes,

Donna

hi there, thank you so much for offering to share this. i have sent you an email. Many thanks

Hi there

I just wanted to say thank you very much for your reply, and taking the time to message. it really helped when going back to the school with a plan. I will let you know how it goes!

Jo