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News release

29 November 2011 - NR 64/11

IOSH backs Government support for school trips

A Government report which found that there is “no convincing evidence” that health and safety laws prevent science experiments or field trips was welcomed today.

Ministers published their response today to the House of Commons science and technology committee’s report ‘Practical experiments in school science lessons and science field trips’.

Practical lessons, field work and field trips are “essential contributors” to good quality science education, they said in response to one of a number of recommendations made by the committee.

Richard Jones, head of policy and public affairs at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), said: “We’re pleased the Government welcomes the finding that there’s no credible evidence health and safety legislation prevents science practicals or field trips. Also, that they agree practical learning is essential to good science education.

“We think the proposal that the new teachers’ standards will include teachers demonstrating they provide well structured lessons, including planning activities and trips to consolidate and extend acquired knowledge, is positive in this regard.”

In its response, the Government said it would continue to work with universities and learned societies such as the Institute of Physics, Royal Institute of Chemistry and Royal Society of Biology to use their expertise to take forward reforms of curriculum and qualifications and teaching.

Richard added: “We think it’s good that the Government is continuing to work alongside universities and professional bodies in this way, and that the network of science learning centres will provide professional development opportunities, including how to teach good practical experiments.”

The Government also refers to the recent review of health and safety and highlights that they are looking remove, amend or make legislation simpler to understand – so that over-zealous interpretations, which inhibit school activities and visits, can be offset.

Richard concluded: “While we’re keen to simplify requirements – we think consultation is very important and that efforts to streamline don’t lower standards or lead to the loss of useful case studies and practical examples, as has unfortunately happened with the revised guidance for teachers on educational visits.”

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Notes for editors:

IOSH is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals. With more than 40,000 members in 85 countries, we’re the world’s biggest professional health and safety organisation.

We set standards, and support, develop and connect our members with resources, guidance, events and training. We’re the voice of the profession, and campaign on issues that affect millions of working people.

IOSH was founded in 1945 and is a registered charity with international NGO status.