Management Information Sheet

Following the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office's announcement on Wednesday evening 18 November that their advice now falls into line with the French request that schools do not travel to France (valid until Sunday 22 November) the advice the County Council through the Education Visits Service gives to schools and academies has been reviewed. The following 7 points form the basis of the advice and support we will give as of Thursday 19 November bearing in mind this is a dynamic situation.

1. The current situation in France is a UK wide issue and like all other local authorities we are seeking to provide sound advice and support in a potentially fast changing environment.

2. We will monitor and follow Foreign and Commonwealth office (FCO) advice. See https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france Schools and Academies are advised to do likewise.

3. There is well established national guidance for school visits provided by the Outdoor Education Adviser Panel and we base our advice on this. See Evolve for details.

4. We will proactively liaise with schools and academies we have knowledge of through Evolve and other networks who have planned trips to France. Where possible we will provide advice, support and guidance on managing risks relating to personal safety and financial liability.

5. Any decision to cancel a trip where the FCO, insurer or providers advice does not say visits should be cancelled is the responsibility of the school. It is important to be aware that insurers may not cover costs in these circumstances

6. For maintained schools we will direct them to liaise with NCC Risk and Insurance and for Academies we advise they speak to their own insurance provider to understand the implications of any decision not to travel

7. For NCC Insured trips to France scheduled up until the end of this term schools must contact the nominated NCC Insurance officer Kirsteen Kett kirsteen.kett@norfolk.gov.uk 01603 638138 to discuss insurance cover.

Finally Graham Lodge, Adviser Outdoor Learning 01603 307744 or 07825 282164 graham.lodge@norfolk.gov.uk is the first point of contact for schools and Academies. If he is unavailable Martin Radmore 01603 307701 martin.radmore@norfolk.gov.uk should be referred to.