Children are missing out on important educational school trips – due to living costs, lack of funds and staffing issues

Children are missing out on essential educational school trips – due to the cost of living crisis, lack of funds and staffing issues.
Studies polling teachers and parents revealed school trips are swiftly on the decline, with cost of travel and parents not being able to afford to cover additional expenses key reasons.
Also cited were the cost of entry fees and lack of staff.
The research of 433 teachers across the UK found, of those who organise school outings, 61 per cent are less likely to plan trips now compared to five years’ ago.
Too much paperwork or ‘red tape’ is also a key factor into why trips aren’t going ahead, in addition to teachers not having the time to organise excursions and having difficulty getting sign off.
As a direct response to the study findings, Hyundai, which commissioned the research, has announced its ‘Great British School Trip’ programme which has been designed to inspire school children aged seven to 14 and to support shaping their future goals.
Through the ambitious initiative, the car manufacturer is investing £1 million to send 25,000 students on school trips across the UK throughout this academic year, kicking off from January 2023.
It will offer bursaries to help the schools most in need to fund their school trips, including booking fees and travel costs.
Providing equal opportunity
Ashley Andrew, managing director, Hyundai Motor UK, said: “School trips should provide some of the most exciting and memorable times for our young people.
“They help to bring their learning to life, encourage greater engagement and inspire their future ambitions. I know that’s what they did for myself and for my children.
“I firmly believe that they are an essential part of our young people’s development and something that every child should have access to.
“As a company that strives to support humanity and to foster an