In planning a trip or activity, it is critically important to consider how many adults are needed to supervise children in a safe manner. It is recommended that a certain number of adults be available to supervise a certain number of children; however, this is also dependent on whether the children have specific needs or requirements, and on the duration of the activity.
At a minimum, two adults are required for each activity.
In addition, the minimum following ratios should be applied, depending on the number of children:
- zero to one year = one member of staff to three children
- one to two years = one member of staff to five children
- two to three years = one member of staff to six children
- three to six years = one member of staff to eight children
- seven to twelve years = one member of staff to eight children
- thirteen to eighteen years = one member of staff to ten children
If it is an overnight activity, additional staff should be considered. If the group is mixed, a gender balance should be maintained.