‘Don’t let pupils paddle without risk assessment’

Ministers published new guidelines to encourage more schools to take pupils out for walks, activities and fieldwork.

But the document urged teachers to resist when children ask to dip their toes in the sea on a hot day.

Schools minister Diana Johnson published the 58-page guidance amid concern that health and safety fears were stopping teachers taking trips. Unions have urged members not to organise outdoor activities because they could be sued if an accident occurs.

The guidance warned against "impromptu water-based activities".

"Swimming and paddling or otherwise entering the waters of river, canal, sea or lake should never be allowed as an impromptu activity," it said. "In-water activities should take place only when a proper risk assessment has been completed and proper measures put in place to control the risks."

Teachers should conduct preparatory visits to assess the risks — "preferably in the water".

Parents' groups condemned the warning against paddling as "ridiculous". Margaret Morrissey, from Parents Outloud, said: "Wading out into the ocean is one thing but there's nothing wrong with paddling where waves break."

She added that the guidance should give teachers more confidence to take trips. "I want to see schools and youth groups taking advantage of opportunities that learning outside the classroom can provide," she said.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families said it was important to plan activities such as paddling. A spokeswoman said: "We are not banning paddling. We have seen cases in the past where things have not been planned and assessed for the risk.

"Unplanned activities around water can be dangerous."