How to organize a school trip safely?

Organize a school trip is an enriching experience, both for students of schools, colleges Or high schools French, but it is also a logistical and security challenge for the supervisors!

Between regulations, choosing the carrier, preparing documents and managing unforeseen events, every detail counts to ensure everything goes smoothly!

Whether it is a school trip of a day or a green class immersive experience lasting several days or a summer camp, this complete guide will allow you to calmly plan your school trip safely.

Preparation Checklist

Before any departure, a clear checklist is essential.

Documents and authorizations

• Nominal list of participants (students and support staff)

• Signed parental authorizations

• Medical records and possible allergies

• Copies of identity documents or passports

• Contact details of parents or legal guardians

Logistics and equipment

• Booking of transport and accommodation (bus, minibus, green class center)

• Detailed program of the stay (outings, museums, restaurants, evenings, etc.)

• Emergency phone and first aid kit

• Food and individual water bottles

• Plan B in case of bad weather or unforeseen events

Communication

• Emergency numbers distributed to students: Supervisors, teachers, but also firefighters (18), police (17), first aid (15)…

• Practical information sent to families: Dates, times of arrival and departure from the different locations...

• Clearly defined meeting point: Address, Google Maps link, etc.

💡 France-Bus advice: Plan a list of students with photo to facilitate supervision during travel.

Regulations to be respected in France

In France, school trips are governed by specific texts, in particular the circular of June 13, 2023 relating to school outings and trips.

Key points:

• Written authorization from parents mandatory for each student

• Minimum supervision :

  • Primary school: 1 adult for 12 students

  • College: 1 adult for 15 students

  • High school: 1 adult for 20 students (varies depending on the activity)

• Civil liability insurance mandatory for the establishment

• Respect for the Traffic Laws and safety rules

Role of the carrier

Choose a reliable carrier, such as France Bus, East essential to ensure student safety during a school trip or a green class. Transportation should not be limited to punctuality and comfort: road safety is a top priority.

Criteria to check

• Up-to-date licenses and insurance for public passenger transport.

• Recent and maintained vehicles, with valid technical inspection and regular checks of brakes, tires, lighting and safety equipment.

• Experienced drivers, holders of their professional driving license and a valid medical certificate.

• Strict compliance with driving and rest times, in accordance with European regulations, to avoid fatigue while driving.

• Safety equipment on board : seat belts for all passengers, accessible emergency exits, fire extinguisher and first aid kit.

Road safety

• Favor known routes suitable for school buses, with fewer dangerous turns and narrow roads.

• Limit the speed depending on the type of road and the weather.

• Maintain constant vigilance : the supervisory staff must ensure that a certain calm is observed on board, so as not to distract the driver and guarantee the safety of all students.

• Check the weather report and adapt the departure if necessary (rain, snow, fog).

💡 France Bus Council : For journeys longer than 2 hours, choose buses with on-board toilets and enhanced security systems.

Insurance and coverage

Two insurances are essential:

• Civil liability : covers damage caused to third parties

• Individual accident : covers bodily injury to students and supervisors

To be checked :

• Cancellation and interruption of stay clauses

• Medical expenses abroad if the trip goes beyond the borders of the France

💡 France Bus Council: For a green classroom, make sure your insurance covers outdoor activities (hiking, cycling, environmental workshops).

Supervision and security on site

Appropriate supervision is the key to a successful trip:

Best practices:

• Safety briefing before departure (behavior on the bus, rules of life)

• Designated safety manager and health representative

• Regular group counts (when boarding and exiting the bus, when entering and exiting all activities and locations)

• Accessible first aid kit and knowledge of emergency services

• Adaptation according to age and type of establishment (school, college, high school)

Suggestions by age group:

• Primary school : presence of at least 1 additional adult for outdoor activities

• College : provide an adult for safety during outings in town or museums

• High school : raising students' awareness of autonomy and individual responsibility

Summary of points of attention 

Conclusion

Whether it's a day trip or an immersive field trip, a successful trip relies on foresight, communication, and vigilance. Every step, from preparing documents to managing unforeseen events, helps ensure the safety and well-being of students.

By following a precise checklist, respecting regulations in France and choosing a reliable carrier, you offer students an enriching and safe experience, adapted to their age and needs.

To facilitate this organization, France Bus offers a wide range of vehicles adapted to all situations: coaches, buses and minibuses, with modern safety equipment (seat belts, toilets, air conditioning) to ensure the comfort and safety of students on all journeys.

Here everywhere in France, France Bus makes it easy to book for local school trips, regional excursions or distant green classes.

Each reservation benefits from a free, personalized quote, in order to anticipate the budget and choose the vehicle best suited to your group.