How many students are assigned to one chaperone during a school trip? Frequently Asked Questions.

Legal Recommendations and Standards Regarding the Number of Chaperones

In Poland, the regulations governing the number of chaperones on school trips are defined by ordinances issued by the Minister of National Education and the Minister of the Interior and Administration. According to these regulations, there must be at least one chaperone—who may be a teacher or a caregiver—for every 15 students. In the case of younger children (grades I–III), one chaperone is required for every 10 students due to the increased need for supervision and safety.

There are also differences depending on the type of school: in primary and middle schools, where students are younger, the number of chaperones is usually higher, while in secondary schools, where students are older and more independent, one chaperone per 15 students may be sufficient. Additionally, for trips abroad or those involving nature outings, it is recommended to increase the number of chaperones due to the specific nature and risks of such excursions.

Factors Influencing the Number of Chaperones

The number of chaperones required for a school trip depends on several factors:

Age of students
Younger children require more attention; therefore, for grades I–III, a common ratio is 1 chaperone per 10 students, while older students tend to be more independent.

Type of trip
Educational trips (e.g., to museums) may require fewer chaperones, whereas recreational outings (e.g., amusement parks) often require more due to higher levels of student activity.

Location of the trip
Urban trips typically pose fewer challenges in terms of supervision, whereas trips to natural environments (e.g., mountains) involve greater risks and thus require more chaperones.

Class size
The larger the group of students, the more chaperones are needed to ensure proper supervision.

Need for specialized chaperones
If there are students with special educational needs or disabilities, additional chaperones or specialists may be necessary to provide appropriate care.

These factors are crucial for ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants on the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What regulations govern the number of chaperones on school trips?
The number of chaperones is regulated by the ordinance of the Minister of National Education, which states that at least one chaperone is required for every 15 students. For younger children, the ratio may be higher.

Can the number of chaperones be increased depending on the nature of the trip?
Yes, the number of chaperones can be increased depending on the nature of the trip—such as the type of activities, the age of the students, or the destination (e.g., mountain areas require more supervision).

How many chaperones are required if students have special needs?
If students have special educational needs or disabilities, additional chaperones or specialists must be provided to ensure adequate support and care.

What are the responsibilities of chaperones during school trips?
Chaperones are responsible for ensuring students’ safety, monitoring their behavior, enforcing rules, and responding to emergencies such as accidents or missing students.

Do public and private schools differ in their chaperone requirements?
In general, the legal regulations concerning the number of chaperones are the same for both public and private schools. However, private schools may have additional internal policies that require more chaperones.

See also:

• The Most Common Mistakes in Organizing School Trips – and How to Avoid Them
• How do joint trips affect class integration?
• Where to go for a one-day class trip? The best school trip ideas in Poland
• 10 most beautiful places in the Tatra Mountains that you must see during a school trip
• School Trips to the Seaside: Perfect Destinations for an Educational Adventure