The objective of an educational tour should be that it should provide a significant benefit in the educational, intellectual, cultural and social development of the maximum number of pupils in the particular grade(s) taking part in the tour and which benefit cannot be provided by in school activities alone.
A tour template forms should be completed by the Principal in the planning of a school tour and should be retained in the school for examination by a Departmental Inspector in the course of normal school inspection.
Approval should be sought for all school tours and school outings from the board of management.
Foreign Trips
All foreign trips (i.e. those outside the island of Ireland) must be booked through a bonded licensed travel agent or tour operator in line with Aviation Authority regulations.
Money for travel and accommodation for trips outside the island of Ireland must be paid directly to the school tour company and not to the school. Other costs can be routed through the main school bank account.
Any school wishing to organise a school tour abroad must do so using a licensed tour operator or travel agent to arrange the travel package including accommodation and other services.
All monies must be paid directly to the tour operator or travel agent, not to school staff or event coordinator.
Compliance ensures that the event is covered by the relevant bond held by the tour operator or travel agent with the Commission for Aviation Regulation as part of the annual licensing requirement, if for any reason the license holder ceases to trade.
It is imperative that the tour operator or travel agent chosen to arrange the overseas trip holds a current license. The full list of all current license holders is available on www.aviationreg.ie. We do not recommended use of any particular tour company.
Links
- School Tour Template Form (English)
- School Tour Template Form (Irish)
- Financial Guideline P06 School Tours – Complying with Regulations & Requirements