Educational visits - a safety evolution
It’s over 50 years since the introduction of the world-leading Health and Safety at Work etc. Act (1974), and exactly 30 years since mandatory inspections for activity centres became law. With this in mind, we take a look at how educational visits safety has developed over time.
Educational visits have long been a highlight of school life, offering young people the chance to learn, grow, and experience the world beyond the classroom. Thanks to continued efforts from schools, providers, advisers, and policymakers, staff and students today can embark on adventures with confidence, knowing that their safety is a top priority.
The journey towards safer educational visits has been shaped by decades of learning and development. The professionalisation of outdoor learning began in the early 1960s with the formation of the Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres (AHOEC) and the introduction of the Mountain Leadership Certificate in 1964. However, incidents like the Cairngorm Disaster in 1971 and the Snowdon Tragedy in 1972 highlighted the need for clearer regulations and guidance.
Legislation
A major shift came when the Government introduced landmark legislation the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act in 1974, which introduced vital safety regulations, including for outdoor education. This remains the priority H&S legislation for employers (including schools) today, underpinning your educational visits policies and guidance.
Additional legislation came in 1995, prompted by a tragic incident at Lyme Bay (1993) . The Activity Centres (Young Persons’ Safety) Act 1995 introduced mandatory safety inspections for activity centres. Over the years, official guidance helped reinforce high safety standards, including direct from the Department for Education, beginning in 1989 with its Safety in Outdoor education guidance, its 1998 and 2002 Health and Safety of Pupils on Educational Visits (HASPEV) guidance, Group Safety at Water Margins guidance in 2003, and the latest ‘Health and Safety on Educational Visits’ guidance in 2018.
Professional status
The professionalisation of the sector increased over time as sector organisations and membership bodies were created to support individuals and companies working in outdoor education. OEAP played an instrumental role, introducing early guidance in 1988, as well as the first formal EVC and Visit Leader training courses, and National Guidance in 2012.
A mark of quality
The launch of the LOtC Quality Badge in 2008 was a key moment, providing schools with an easy way to identify high-quality and safe learning providers. Other awards and inspection programmes from e.g. AHOEC, School Travel Forum and AALA others are now linked to Quality Badge recognition, ensuring a joined-up approach to standards across different types of visits.
Child in dark blue shorts and blue long sleeved top is walking across a rope bridge between tall trees in an activity centre. He is wearing a safety harness and holding wires above this head.
Why it matters
For schools and families, these changes have made a real difference. Where once there may have been uncertainty about the risks involved in outdoor learning, today’s well-established safety framework ensures that young people can explore, discover, and learn with reassurance. High quality training for EVCs and Visit Leaders, clear guidance, and comprehensive visit planning tools such as EVOLVE, support effective planning, recording and monitoring of visits, giving staff and parents confidence in the whole process.
Looking back, it’s clear how far the sector has come. In the past, safety measures were inconsistent, relying on individual providers' best practices. Now, educational visits are guided by robust legislation, clear policies, and well-structured training programmes, helping to raise and maintain standards.
That said, there’s always room for growth. The sector continues to adapt to new challenges, including climate change, mental health considerations, and the role of digital technology in visit planning and communication. Natasha’s Law, introduced in 2021 to improve food allergen labelling, is an example of how ongoing improvements can make educational visits even safer.
Educational visits are widely recognised as an important part of learning and development by schools, parents, even politicians across the UK. This progress is a testament to the dedication of those who have worked tirelessly to enhance safety. By continuing to learn and evolve, the sector can ensure that future generations of young people enjoy enriching, safe, and memorable outdoor learning experiences.
A version of this article and timeline was first published in The EVC Magazine, Spring 2025.
With thanks to Clive Atkins, Richard Painter and Graham Lodge for contributing their combined experience to developing this timeline and history of educational visits health and safety. The dates above are correct to the best of our knowledge – please contact us with any feedback or corrections.