A school in Belfast took the decision in early June to cancel a planned trip to London. In the wake of two terrorist attacks perpetrated in the capital in recent months, the school felt that the health and safety of children and staff was compromised to a notable and untenable degree. Originally scheduled for the 21-23 June, the trip was set to involve 51 junior school students who are undoubtedly disappointed by the cancelation. In its statement, the school thanked parents for their understanding and support: "The senior leadership team had a very positive meeting with parents to discuss the situation and explain the decision making progress. The school will continue to work closely with the tour company regarding refunds and will update parents on an ongoing basis."
Many argue that this form of response to terrorist atrocities is reductive, teaching young people that terror and fear are able to achieve their aim of closing in society and limiting freedoms. However, with the recent attack on Manchester Arena targeting children, many are scared of areas where vulnerable groups are exposed to violence. Schools are urged to review their trip planning methods in the wake of recent events, taking into account new areas of security risk if they are set to visit the capital. The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) have committed to expanding available resources to be more reflective of emerging dangers. The ASCL General Secretary also recommends that the views of parents are taken into account: "Our advice to schools concerned about planned trips to London is to review and amend risk assessments as necessary, and to talk to parents to gauge their views […] Where school trips go ahead, parents who are concerned can withdraw their children." The views of pupils should also be gathered.
A well planned and coordinated trip with a clear emergency responses which has been organised with parent and pupil input, should have no issues in proceeding. See the article from the latest edition of Compliance Matters on Emergency Responses on a School Trip and make the most of the handsamschooltripadvisor trip planning system.
