Our policies and reports

Booking Policy

Observatory Hill EEC is a specialist NSW Department of Education school delivering curriculum-based environmental and sustainability education programs. The Centre enhances student outcomes across Key Learning Areas by offering excursion programs within the Sydney CBD and school-based sustainability incursions.

Booking Procedures

Bookings can be made by calling the Centre on (02) 9247-7321 and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. While we aim to accommodate your preferred date, alternative dates may be arranged if necessary.

The Centre typically hosts 3–4 classes daily, with maximum class sizes of 30 for Years 1–12 and 20 for Kindergarten. Costs per student vary by group size (see below). Parents and specialist staff helpers are encouraged, especially for primary groups.

Incursions are available for schools in Canada Bay, Canterbury, City of Sydney, Inner West, Mosman, North Sydney, Randwick, Waverley, and Woollahra councils.

Centre staff will meet your class at the program’s meeting point. Programs are designed to be accessible via public transport, which is recommended where possible.

Costs

Charges vary by program type and group size and will be confirmed at booking and detailed on the Booking Sheet.

Students are responsible for their own public transport fares when travel between study sites is required; information on Youth OPAL cards is provided.

Any lost or damaged fieldwork equipment must be reimbursed by the visiting school.

Excursion costs are:

• Government schools: $15 per student
• Non-government schools: $25 per student
• Private schools: $25 per student or a minimum of $600 per class (except Stage 6 fieldwork)

Cancellations

Cancellations must be made at least two weeks before the excursion date to avoid a $40 cancellation fee per class.

No fee applies if cancellation is due to inclement weather on the day.

This policy helps minimise last-minute cancellations and allows waitlisted schools a fair opportunity to book.

For same-day cancellations, please leave a message at (02) 9247 7321 as early as possible or contact the coordinating teacher listed on your booking sheet.

Visiting teachers role

Visiting Teachers Should:

• Review program details and related activities on the Centre’s website and contact the Centre with any questions.
• Inform the Centre in advance of any students with mobility needs or requiring special support.
• Bring all necessary medication, including asthma inhalers and anaphylaxis auto-injectors as per students’ ACSIA plans. EEC staff carry basic first aid supplies and general-use inhalers and auto-injectors.
• Confirm the meeting time and place on the booking sheet for your class.
• Advise the Centre of any changes to arrival or departure times.
• Ensure students bring adequate food and drink for the day; check the booking sheet regarding students’ ability to purchase food.
• Require students to wear appropriate weather protection (sun hats, rain gear) and preferably school uniforms for easy identification.
• Duplicate student worksheets as needed and conduct pre-visit activities to prepare students for fieldwork. Students should bring clipboards, pens, and optionally cameras or phones for documentation.
• Actively participate in all activities and support EEC staff, especially in managing student behaviour during breaks.
• Complete the program evaluation at the end of the visit.

Risk Management

The DoE Excursion Policy mandates that all excursions receive prior approval from your Principal through the submission of required documentation. Each program provides a Risk Assessment Pro Forma to assist in preparing your Excursion Risk Management Plan. Please also consult the Centre’s Risk Management, Safety, and Welfare guidelines for additional information.

General Safety and Welfare Information and Procedures for schools undertaking fieldwork

The Centre prioritises safety by minimising risks and providing a comfortable learning environment, including breaks, toilet stops, and sun protection. Visiting teachers must inform Centre staff of any student welfare concerns before the visit, as Centre staff have limited background information. All Centre staff comply with Child Protection Policy and carry mobile phones in the field. Visiting teachers are expected to actively support EEC staff during the program.

Student preparation and wet weather

Students should wear appropriate clothing for activities, including hats, sunscreen, and enclosed shoes (no sandals or thongs). Water bottles are recommended, and wet weather gear should be brought if rain is expected. If weather conditions are unsuitable for fieldwork, alternative arrangements will be made; please contact the Centre before 8:00 am on the day of the visit to discuss options.

Illness and Injury

Teachers must bring first aid supplies and any required medication for students with medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes. Please ensure you have each student’s anaphylaxis plan and identify students with anaphylaxis to EEC staff upon arrival. Visiting teachers should carry a charged mobile phone and, in emergencies, call 112 (mobile) or 000. The Centre can be contacted on (02) 9247 7321, and Centre staff also carry mobile phones.

In case of injury, first aid will be provided, and paramedics contacted if necessary. The class teacher will manage student safety, including contacting parents if required. EEC staff will coordinate with the teacher to determine how to proceed with the excursion. If a student is lost, the school and authorities will be notified immediately.

Undertaking activities on the edge of waterways

Students engaged in activities near waterways will be closely supervised and instructed to stay behind safety barriers or follow safety precautions where barriers are absent. All Centre staff are trained in CPR and Basic Water Rescue and will implement emergency procedures if a student enters the water.

Undertaking activities in public buildings

Staff will avoid revolving doors, escalators, and lifts when entering buildings. If lifts are necessary, staff will escort students in groups to the designated floor. Students will follow instructions from building management and EEC staff at all times.

Interacting with the public

Students regularly interact with the public during city fieldwork. They are expected to behave courteously, especially when guest speakers present. When interviewing the public, students follow provided guidelines, with prior permission from relevant authorities, and remain within teachers’ sight. Consent forms are obtained if students are filmed or photographed for publication.

Using equipment and undertaking experiments

Students receive clear instructions on proper equipment use. Staff adhere to the ‘Chemical Safety in Schools Policy’ when handling equipment.

Managing the movement of students

Students stay within teachers’ sight while moving through study sites. They walk behind the EEC teacher, with the class teacher at the rear; younger students hold hands and travel in pairs. Head counts occur regularly, especially after breaks. All cross at traffic lights and pedestrian crossings.

On public transport, students follow seating instructions and safety advice. Routes accommodating students who cannot use stairs will be arranged if notified by the class teacher before fieldwork.

Student behaviour

Teachers and Principals should assess if activities suit students with behavioural concerns, as some behaviours may risk safety. EEC staff will collaborate with class teachers to address poor behaviour.

Recess and lunch occur in public parks or city food courts. Students receive seating and (for Primary) play instructions. Primary students visit toilets in supervised groups. Senior students take breaks in food courts, eat seated, and remain supervised.

Anti-bullying Policy Statement

Students must strictly adhere to Department and school anti-bullying policies. Any behaviour that disrupts learning or harms student wellbeing during Centre programs will not be tolerated.

Approximate distance walked during the program

All programs require teachers to have a reasonable fitness level due to extensive walking. Distances are detailed on each program’s excursion Google map.