Positive Relationships: Working Mum - Taking a trip

A new manager has recently started at DD2's (Dear Daughter 2) nursery and she seems to have reinvigorated the staff. One of the big changes is that they are now planning regular nursery trips - something that myself and some other parents have commented was previously lacking.

Many of the children attend the setting five days a week and, despite it being spacious with a large outdoor area, it seems sad that they spend the majority of the time in one place. Added to that, the nursery is in a central city location with loads of exciting child-friendly places to explore. It's such a shame not to take advantage of it.

I believe that as a family we take both our daughters to a lot of interesting and different places, but we can't replicate the experience of them going on a group trip with their peers. It exposes them to behaving appropriately in a group, listening to instructions plus, of course, all the fun of doing something outside of the norm and being able to report back to family.

The staff in DD2's tweenie room started off small by taking the children out to play in the park beside the nursery. When I picked up DD2 that evening she couldn't wait to point out to me where she'd been and tell me what she had been doing with her friends. She's played there with me umpteen times, but this was a new adventure for her.

I was then pleased to be told by her key worker that they were planning on going on a day trip and she asked if I could help out. It was on the day that I don't work so I jumped at the chance. The children had been talking a lot about different methods of transport, so the plan was to take them on a train, boat and bus. Yes, the children had a wonderful time, but it was also a great experience for me.

It gave me the opportunity to actually see the staff in action with the children for a prolonged period of time. I was able to witness their care, the loving and fun interactions, and their organisational skills. I also got to chat to the other parent helpers who I was previously only on nodding acquaintance with.

ADDED WORRY

Before heading out on the trip I was surprised to get a text message from another mum asking whether – although she was sure that the staff would look after the children well – I could keep a special eye on her daughter and make sure she was OK. It's something I'd not actually considered, but there is an added worry for parents when their children are outside the safe confines of the nursery setting.

We put our trust in practitioners every day, but this is a whole new level of trust that can open up lots of 'What if?' scenarios about strangers, traffic, lost children - the worry list is endless! All parents were given a letter about the trip, but I think it would have been reassuring to have included the high adult:child ratios along with the requests for sun hats and sun cream.

The only disappointment from the trip was that I'd been looking forward to watching my daughter play with her nursery friends. Unfortunately, flatteringly, the novelty of me being there meant that she wanted to spend more time with me than to interact with others.

The day out was a refreshing change for everyone at the nursery and parents have been asked for suggestions of where else to go. One of the dads is a firefighter so a trip to the local fire station is being organised. Forget the children - the staff can't wait, and I'm hopeful that I'll get to go too.

A WORD OF ADVICE

Plan well to ensure that day trips are safe and stress-free learning opportunities, says Sally Dunlop, early years adviser at the Naitonal Day Nurseries Association

Nursery outings can be a valuable tool in developing children's understanding of the world around them. With careful planning, parental involvement and good communication, they can be a really enriching experience for everyone.

• Ideally, inform parents at registration that there may be trips out and gain their signed authorisation. Always tell them well in advance of anything planned.
• You will need a clear outings policy, events calendar, procedure guidelines and risk assessments in place – all to be shared and discussed with parents. As part of the planning process, risk assess all elements, from travel and insurance to first aid.
• Make sure parents' contact details are up to date and taken with you. Also bring any individual healthcare plans or medication, as well as a full first aid kit.
• Consider having a designated mobile phone for outings to offer a clear contact for parents. Try to take blankets, water, toys and books in case you are delayed.
• If you are walking, check there are no new hazards on the day such as roadworks or changed weather and plan accordingly.
• Leave a route plan at the nursery and wear high-visibility vests.
• If you're in a vehicle, use a reputable company with evidence of their own risk assessments and insurance.
• Remember staff-to-child ratios and have a qualified first aider with you. And if you invite parents, ensure they know the code of conduct and their responsibilities. If using their cars, make sure your car seat policy is clear.
• Due to data protection, use only the nursery camera for pictures then share them later.

Taking all these steps should help you to relax and have fun. Afterwards, make a photo book for everyone to write their comments in and look back at.

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