Deptford Green School offers many trips each year, ranging from theatre visits to outdoor expeditions. Most trips are limited to one or two year groups. Some of our trips are free, most are relatively inexpensive, and we have one or two residential trips per year, which tend to be more expensive. To assist with planning, trips abroad are listed earlier than domestic trips.  This document explains the terms and conditions which parents enter into when reserving places on school trips.

 

Applying for a Place

 

Trip details are typically sent to parents via email. To apply for a trip, parents should log in to www.parentpay.com, where they can pay and give permission. If online payment is not possible, we can provide bank transfer details. We cannot accept cash or cheques for trips.

 

Please note that payment does not guarantee a place, as some trips are oversubscribed. If we cannot secure a place for your child, a refund will be provided. Allocation of places varies by trip; some are first-come, first-served, while others require consideration of group dynamics, such as ski trips where group size and ability levels are important.

 

Instalments

 

For more expensive trips, payments are typically split into instalments. Once the deposit is paid and a place is confirmed, parents are liable for the full cost of the trip, even if they decide to remove their child(ren) from it. Also, if payment deadlines are missed, we reserve the right to withdraw your child’s place.

 

Refunds

As the school acts as a conduit for parents to pay the trip organisers, then we can only refund payments when another student can fill the vacated spot. If you face financial difficulty, please contact the School Reception for assistance.

 

Financial Assistance

 

Financial support may be available for students eligible for pupil premium and other benefits.  For instance, on residential trips, there is a discount per night of accommodation. If you need assistance with this for a particular trip, then please contact the School Reception.

 

Cancellation of a Place

 

If you need to cancel your child’s place on a trip, notify us as soon as possible. Refunds may be provided if another student can take the place, but this is not guaranteed. Cancellations made within two weeks of a UK trip or two months of an overseas trip are often too late to find a replacement.

 

For overseas trips, once a place is formally offered, you will have two weeks to decline without penalty. After this, refunds depend on the specific trip and circumstances.

 

Change of Plans

 

Occasionally, trips may need to be altered due to weather or travel advisories. Any changes made will prioritise the safety of students and staff. In rare cases, trips may be cancelled or cut short. If a trip is cancelled before starting, you will receive a full refund. If changes are made after the trip begins, insurance will cover the costs of alterations but not refunds to parents.

 

Risk Management

 

The school conducts detailed risk assessments for all outdoor activities. Adventurous trips are led by experienced instructors, ensuring the safety of students.

 

Supervision

 

As students progress, they are expected to take more responsibility. Older students may experience “remote supervision,” where they are in contact with staff but not directly accompanied during certain parts of a trip.

 

Behaviour

 

High standards of behaviour are expected during trips. School rules and local laws apply. In cases of serious misconduct, the student may be sent home at the parent's expense.

 

Passports and Visas

 

Passports must be valid for at least three months after the date of travel. Students who are not UK or EU citizens must obtain visas for European trips well in advance. UK citizens will soon need an ETIAS visa for travel to the EU, but this system has not yet been implemented.

 

Health and Parental Contact Information

 

We maintain a database of health, dietary, and contact information for all students. This needs to be up-to-date, so please ensure that you inform us of any changes. Please avoid handing new information to staff on the day of departure, as trip organisers rely on details prepared weeks in advance.

 

Diets and Allergies

 

We need to know your child’s medical and dietary requirements to organise trips effectively. If your child has a life-threatening allergy, it is recommended that you contact the trip leader to confirm arrangements.

 

Consent Forms

 

For local trips and sports fixtures, consent is provided when your child joins the school. For other UK trips, electronic confirmation or a reply slip is sufficient. For overseas trips, a full printed consent form is required.

 

Insurance

 

All trips are covered by travel insurance, which includes medical coverage in the event of illness or injury. If your child is unable to travel due to illness, a doctor’s note is required to claim insurance.