Service overview
Sandwell's Educational Visits Advisers (EVAs) provide guidance, training and support to ensure the effective management of offsite and educational visits. The service is available to schools, academies, youth groups and other establishments in Sandwell and beyond. National Guidance developed by the Outdoor Education Advisers' Panel has been adopted by Sandwell to help organise high quality visits, including residential and overseas.
A service level agreement provides access to:
- bespoke advice on the planning and management of visits - in person, by email or phone;
- policies for the safety and quality management of offsite activities; reviewed regularly and updated with regulatory changes;
- the EVOLVE online system for the planning, risk management and approval for offsite activities;
- reviewing and approval of adventurous, residential and overseas activities so that your school and staff can meet legal obligations;
- 'in the field' monitoring of offsite visits;
- discounted training for Educational Visits Co-ordinators and Visit Leaders.
Training
All training is nationally accredited by the Outdoor Education Advisers' Panel and includes specific local requirements. Training is available to all, with a discounted rate for organisations with a service level agreement:
- Initial Educational Visits Co-ordinator training - covering the role of the EVC, legal background, management and policy requirements for offsite activities.
- Revalidation courses for Educational Visits Co-ordinators every three years to ensure that training and best practice is up to date.
- Initial Visit Leader training comprising both theory and practical modules addressing risk management in the outdoors.
- Refresher courses for Visit Leaders to ensure continuing best practice and professional development.
For further information or to buy in to the Service, please contact Aileen Barlow and Christina Grange.