Supporting Individuals on Trips | Dave Smallwood

Dave Smallwood, a Principal Team Teach trainer, talks to Clare about how to support individuals on off-site trips. They explore the challenges that such occasions can pose, dealing with unforeseen situations, and how to best support individuals when outside of their usual environment.

Dave has extensive behaviour support experience. He has worked in special schools, for both the local authority and the National Autistic Society. As a staff development co-ordinator for the latter, he has developed and delivered training in autism, and equality, diversity and rights.

He also shares three tips during the episode:

Preparation is key. While you can’t plan for every eventuality, you can prepare yourself so that you are in the best position to handle unforeseen circumstances.

Make sure the plan is communicated clearly to everyone involved: the students, if appropriate; support staff; and any volunteers.

To keep everyone as safe as possible, carry out a thorough and robust risk assessment well in advance of any off-site trips.

The Team Teach podcast shares the latest thinking in behaviour, all in handy 15-minute (ish) bite-sized chunks. Each episode features a new guest chatting about a different aspect of behaviour and leaves you with three handy tips to use in your setting.