After-School Activities Policy: A Guide for Parents

Welcome to Bahrain Bayan School's (BBS) after-school activities (ASA) program! Our goal is to provide a safe, enriching, and inclusive environment for your child to explore new interests and extend their learning beyond the regular school day. This guide provides a simplified overview of our policy so you know what to expect and how to get the most out of our program.

What Are After-School Activities?

The ASA program includes a wide range of activities like clubs, sports, arts, and academic support. These activities take place outside of the regular school timetable—including before school, at lunch, after school, and even on weekends or during school breaks. They can be delivered by BBS staff or by approved external organizations.

Key Policy Highlights

  • Eligibility and Access: All enrolled BBS students can participate in age-appropriate activities. If a club is oversubscribed, we use a fair process, such as rotation or trials, and we will let you know about the criteria in advance. We also make reasonable adjustments to ensure students with disabilities or special educational needs can participate safely.
  • Supervision and Safety: Your child's safety is our top priority. All staff, volunteers, and external coaches go through thorough background checks and receive mandatory training in areas like safeguarding, first aid, and emergency procedures. Supervisors are required to be present from the moment the first student arrives until the last one has been dismissed to an authorized adult. We also have clear protocols for managing health needs, including stocked first-aid kits at all venues. For sports activities, we have specific plans to address heat and hydration.
  • Attendance and Dismissal:
    • Attendance: We take daily attendance, and if a student is absent from an ASA but was in school, we will follow up with parents before dismissal time.
    • Dismissal: For Preschool and Primary students, we use a "hand-to-hand" dismissal, meaning your child will only be released to an authorized adult or placed on the school bus list. Middle and High School students can be picked up by a parent or, with their written consent, may be allowed to leave on their own. Please note that repeated late pickups may result in your child being removed from the activity.
  • Fees and Payments: Information about activity fees, payment due dates, and our cancellation/refund policy will be detailed on the ASA menu provided before the start of each term. We also have a transparent process for handling any refunds or credits for canceled sessions.
  • Communication: Before the term begins, you will receive the ASA menu with all the necessary details, including dates, fees, and what equipment your child might need. We will also send timely notices about any changes or cancellations. If BBS has to cancel a session due to weather or other issues, we will offer a make-up session or a pro-rated credit.

Your Role as a Parent

To help us ensure a smooth experience for everyone, please:

  • Make sure you understand the dismissal procedures and are on time for pickup.
  • Notify us promptly of any changes to your child's medical information or contact details.
  • Communicate with us if you have any questions or concerns.

If you have a concern or complaint, please follow the school's official Complaints Policy. Any safeguarding allegations will be immediately escalated to the designated safeguarding lead and handled according to our procedures.

This policy is subject to annual review and may be updated. By participating in our ASA program, you agree to these guidelines, which are in place to keep all students safe and help them thrive.
 

Overseas School Trips: A Guide for Parents

At Bahrain Bayan School, overseas trips are an invaluable part of a student's education, offering unique opportunities for learning, cultural exchange, and personal growth. This guide outlines key information from our official policy to ensure a smooth, safe, and enriching experience for your child.


Our Purpose


Our primary goal for any overseas trip is to ensure it is safe, provides significant educational value, and fosters cultural understanding and respect among our students. This policy applies to all staff, students, and volunteers involved.

Pre-Trip Planning & Safety

We take meticulous care in planning every aspect of our trips.

  • Risk Assessment: Every destination is thoroughly assessed for potential risks, including political stability, health concerns, and environmental conditions.
  • Trip Authorization: All trips must be approved by school administration at least six months in advance.
  • Staffing: We maintain a student-to-staff ratio of no more than 10:1 to ensure adequate supervision. At least one staff member on each trip is certified in first aid.
  • Parental Consent: We will provide you with all trip details, and your written consent is required for your child's participation.

Preparing Your Child for the Journey

To ensure students are fully prepared, we host a series of orientation sessions.

  • Parent & Student Orientation: Approximately one month before departure, we will hold a mandatory session to cover the itinerary, safety protocols, and behavior expectations, and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions.
  • Academic Preparation: We integrate learning about the host country's history, culture, and political structure into the social studies curriculum to enhance your child's learning experience.
  • Packing Orientation: We provide guidance on what to pack, including recommendations for culturally appropriate attire and essential items like travel documents and any necessary medication. A detailed packing checklist will be provided.


Health, Safety & Emergency Procedures

Your child's well-being is our highest priority.

  • Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is required for all participants.
  • Medical Information: We require a medical form for each student, detailing any allergies or other health needs.
  • Vaccinations: Please ensure your child has received any necessary vaccinations well in advance.
  • Emergency Plan: A detailed emergency plan, including contact information for local services and the nearest embassy, will be in place. A designated staff member will always carry a mobile phone with international roaming for emergencies.

Financial Information

All trip costs will be clearly communicated. Payments should be made directly to the school's finance department and are subject to a 10% VAT.

Student Conduct

Students are expected to adhere to the school’s code of conduct and respect all local customs, traditions, and laws. Inappropriate behavior may result in a student being sent home at the parents' expense.

We look forward to providing your child with a safe and enriching international experience!
 

Local Field Trips Policy: A Guide for Parents

This document provides a summary of the Bahrain Bayan School’s Local Field Trips Policy, focusing on information and guidelines relevant to parents and guardians. Our goal is to ensure that all field trips are safe, educational, and enriching experiences for your children.

Key Information for Parents
 

1. Pre-Trip Requirements
 

To ensure your child's participation, parents or guardians must:

  • Sign and return a permission slip for each field trip.
  • Verify and provide updated emergency contact information.
  • Inform the school of any medical conditions, allergies, or special needs your child may have to ensure their well-being and a safe trip.

2. Safety and Supervision

The safety of our students is the highest priority. Here are the measures taken to ensure a secure environment:

  • Adult-to-Student Ratio: We maintain a specific adult-to-student ratio, typically 1:10, which may be adjusted based on the age of the students and the nature of the trip.
  • Transportation: All transportation is arranged with safe and reliable providers, and all drivers are vetted to ensure they have valid licenses.
  • First Aid and Emergency Preparedness: A staff member with first aid and CPR training will be present on every trip. A fully equipped first aid kit will also be available.
  • Student Accountability: The school uses a system of regular headcounts and check-ins to ensure all students are accounted for at all times.
  • Behavioral Expectations: Students will be reminded of the school’s behavioral expectations, with a strong emphasis on respect, safety, and responsibility.

3. Trip Details


Before each trip, you will be provided with a detailed itinerary that includes:

  • Departure and return times.
  • Meal plans for the day.
  • A schedule of planned activities.

Communication Plan: You will be informed of how to contact your child in case of an emergency and how the school will handle any unforeseen situations.

What if a Student Does Not Attend a Trip?

In the event a student is unable to attend a trip, the school will take the following steps:

  • Parental Notification: The school will immediately inform the parents or guardians and provide a clear reason for the student’s non-attendance. This communication will be documented.
  • Meaningful Activities: The student will be provided with alternative educational activities at school that are comparable in value to the field trip experience.
  • Supervision and Support: A specific staff member will be assigned to supervise and support the student throughout the day, ensuring they have a positive and productive experience.
  • Integration: After the trip, students who attended will share their experiences with those who stayed behind, ensuring all students feel included and can learn from the trip indirectly.
  • Documentation: All documentation, including parent notifications and the activities provided, will be maintained for transparency and future reference.