Safety and education outside the classroom (EOTC)
Boards of trustees are legally responsible for the safety of all students involved in EOTC programmes. If there is an incident during an EOTC event a board may be held accountable, whether the incident is caused by the actions or omissions of a teacher, outside helper, student or commercial operator contracted by the board.
A board's legal obligations include those set out in legislation and those arising out of the general law. A schools' legal responsibilities in respect of EOTC are covered in detail in EOTC Guidelines - Bringing the Curriculum Alive. You can view a copy on the TKI website.
The EOTC Guidelines explain schools' obligations under the Education Act 1989, Health and Safety in Employment legislation, and the Crimes Act 1961 (pp. 33-34).
Chapter 2 - Learning Safely: a shared responsiblility focuses on the responsibilities of all concerned including the board.