Legal threat stops teachers leading trips

Children are losing out on the chance to go on school trips because teachers are scared of being sued, an official watchdog warned today.

Education regulator Ofsted said adventure activities helped improve children's behaviour and develop social and physical skills.

As long as they followed safety procedures, there was little chance of a court case succeeding if anything went wrong, Ofsted insisted.

After a number of fatalities on school trips in recent years, many teachers have become reluctant to take the risk of being sued if an accident happens on their watch.

MPs have become so concerned at the effect of the compensation culture on children's education that they have launched an inquiry into the problem.

Ofsted chief inspector David Bell said: "If teachers follow recognised safety procedures and guidance they have nothing to fear from the law."

But Chris Keates, leader of teachers' union NASUWT, said: "Following the procedures and guidance is no protection against litigation."