A guide to your child's educational visit

School trips can provide a learning experience of a lifetime…

An educational tour with NST opens up a whole world of learning for your child. With the opportunity to explore some of the most intriguing destinations in the world, our tours have been created to enrich classroom-based learning and inspire a deeper interest in their studies – all at great value for money.

We believe that there’s no substitute for being there. That’s why, since 1996, we’ve been helping to create tours which educate, inspire and enable children to develop a sense of independence. Teachers and parents often tell us that a school trip with NST really helps to enhance knowledge by placing classroom learning in context. A school tour will also introduce your child to new cultures and experiences, whilst helping to build confidence and develop key life skills that they’ll need in the future.

All of NST’s educational tours have been designed to support the National Curriculum and will make an invaluable contribution to your child’s education. We were one of the first UK school travel companies to have been awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom Council’s Quality Badge – your guarantee that we offer high quality teaching and learning experiences, and manage safety on school visits effectively.

Safe in our hands

NST has an excellent reputation and an outstanding health and safety record based on over 20 years of operating school tours. As a fully assured member of the School Travel Forum – the benchmark provider for good school tours – NST adheres to a rigorous Code of Practice and safety management standards which meet the requirements of Government guidelines and are externally verified each year by independent health and safety professionals.

Your money

Your money will be protected from the moment your child’s tour is booked with NST, because we’re fully bonded through ABTA and ATOL. This means your payments will be insured and you’ll have peace of mind too.

School tour accommodation

During a school trip with NST, your child will stay in school-friendly accommodation, selected and audited by us. Our audit checks cover the following elements, ensuring that we’re confident the accommodation is suitable for your child’s group to stay there:

• Fire safety

• Security

• Hygiene

• Utilities and swimming pools

Coaches

Safety is our upmost priority at NST. That’s why we can assure you that your child’s coach operator will meet the following minimum standards:

• All Irish and British coaches are fitted with seatbelts

• All Irish and British coaches conform to Government safety standards

• All of our Irish and British coach operators conform to the European laws and regulations concerning

• drivers’ hours and regularly monitor tachograph records

• Our British coach operators must have a system in place to ensure drivers are Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked

• Our Irish coach operators have a system in place to confirm appropriate clearance from An Garda Síochána, the Criminal Records Bureau or Scottish Criminal Records Office.

Visits

Where visits and excursions are arranged by NST, the risks have been evaluated and are regularly reviewed

NST insurance cover

Insurance cover and 24-hour medical assistance cover is included in the price you pay for your child’s trip. 

Type of cover	Value of cover
Cancellation / Curtailment of Activity / Abandonment	Up to £5,000 / €5750
For overseas travel:
Medical Expenses	Up to £5 million / €5,750,000
Baggage	Up to a limit of £1,500 / €1750. Total valuables limit £250 / €285
Personal Money	Children under 18 – up to £200 /  €285
Personal Accident	Up to £25,000 / €28,750
Personal Liability	Up to £2 million / €2,300,000 (2020 policy)
Organiser Liability	Up to £5 million / €5,750,000

Please note that there is an excess up to £50 / €60 for some sections of cover.

Passport, visa & health documents

Passports:

Some countries require a minimum validity on passports after the date of travel. Please check this via www.fco.gov.uk. The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) recommends that you allow six weeks for a passport application to be processed. NST’s recommendation is that you should apply for one at least ten weeks prior to departure, or longer if a visa is also required. All the latest information is available at www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports

Visas:

Full details of visa and entry requirements for all countries can be found at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. NST recommend that all visa requirements are completed at least two months prior to departure. N.B. Non-British nationals/non-British passport holders may require visas/transit visas and it is the responsibility of the individual to check all passport and visa requirements with the Embassy of the country (or countries) to or through which they are travelling.

Health:

For tours within the European Union, your child must obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) prior to departure. For full details and to apply on-line for your free EHIC, visit www.ehic.org.uk.