Free Field Trip Consent (Permission) Forms (Word | PDF)

Many schools will organize field trips for their students as a means of learning about certain subjects. For a school to be able to take children on these trips, they need to have permission from the parent or legal guardian of the child/children. This can be done using a field trip consent form.

What is a Field Trip?

A field trip is any trip outside of the location of the school grounds. It can be as simple as a trip to a local park or a trip to a museum in a nearby city. Some are used as a tool for learning about certain subjects, such as going to a museum to learn about an ancient heritage or having a fun day out.

Regardless of how close the tripโ€™s location is to the school, you will need the parentโ€™s permission to take the children off-site.

A field trip consent form is a document that is given to the parent or guardian of a child asking for permission for the child to attend an event, such as a school, church, or similar organization. The events are usually off-site. The purpose of the form is to protect the school or organization against any liability should an accident occur. It makes the parent aware that, by giving permission, they are accepting any risks that may be involved in the field trip.

A consent form should give a clear description of what the trip is for in relation to what they are learning, where they are going, how they will be getting there, any activities that they will be participating in, any special items or clothing they need to have (i.e., packed lunches, sunscreen, a sweater), and any fees that are needed for the trip.

It is also a means for the parents to let the school know of any medical conditions, medications, or special considerations for their child. They must also make sure that their child understands any safety rules and regulations involved in the trip. In case of an accident, it also gives permission for a child to be taken to an emergency room or hospital should the child need special or emergency medical treatment.

Some consent forms may also include a note about needing extra chaperones and inviting family members to go along and help out. If the school or organization takes frequent trips, they may obtain yearly permission to cover any trips taken outside of the school or organization.

Below are free consent form templates that provide a convenient and efficient way for you to obtain permission from parents or guardians for student participation in educational field trips. By utilizing these templates, you can save time and effort in drafting them yourself, ensuring that all necessary information is included and accurately recorded.

Free Parent Field Trip Consent Form Template for Pdf File

Printable Sample Permission Form for Field Trip Template for Pdf File

Fillable Educational Field Trip Permission Form Template for Word File

Editable Field Trip Consent Form 01 for Word File

Printable Field Trip Consent Form 02 for Word File

Editable Field Trip Consent Form 03 for Word File

Free Field Trip Consent Form 04 for Word File

Downloadable Field Trip Consent Form 05 for Word File

Free Field Trip Consent Form 06 for Word File

Printable Field Trip Consent Form 07 for Word File

Professional Field Trip Consent Form 08 for Word File

Editable Field Trip Consent Form 09 for Word File

Free Field Trip Consent Form 10 for Word File

Printable Field Trip Consent Form 11 for Word File

Editable Field Trip Consent Form 12 for Word File

    For the parent/guardian to fill out

    • Name of the child(children) and their date of birth
    • Name and address of the parent or guardian
    • Contact details of the parent or guardian (phone number and email address)

    For the organizer to fill out:

    • The type of event you will be attending
    • the location of the event
    • The person or people who will be in charge
    • a departure and return date and time
    • The mode of transportation being used (i.e., school bus, walking)

    There should also be an emergency section, which the parent or guardian needs to complete. This is used in case they cannot be reached and should include the name of the emergency contact, their relationship to the child, and a phone number. They can also include the details of the family doctor and any health care plan information.

    Along with this, there should be a section that lists any specific medical details, such as:

    • Allergies
    • Special dietary needs
    • Specific medical conditions
    • Any physical limitations
    • Medications
    • The date of the childโ€™s last immunizations (usually for younger children)
    • Whether they may have been exposed to any contagious diseases

    Laws Regarding Field Trips

    The main purpose of using consent forms for school trips is to waive the schoolโ€™s responsibility for any accidents or injuries that happen during the trip. Laws around field trips can vary from one state to another, and it is not always mandatory for a school to use them for some activities.

    However, if something were to happen to a child out of the negligence of the organizer and permission was never obtained, nor was the parent or guardian informed of the trip, it could make the school liable in court.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can a school take a child on a field trip without parental consent?

    This depends on the nature of the trip. Some donโ€™t require permission if they are deemed to be reasonably safe. The school does have to alert the parents of the trip, and the parents can then keep the child home if they do not want them to attend.

    Is a consent form needed for on-site school activities outside of school hours?

    Yes. It is a requirement to get permission from the parent or guardian if a school event will be taking place after normal school hours.

    About This Article

    Authored by:
    Legal Writing | M.A Marketing, B.A. Finance
    Melissa Horton is a highly skilled legal writer and co-owner of a leading financial planning firm in Washington, D.C. With over a decade of experience in the financial services and planning industry, Melissa's expertise lies in teaching clients how to maintain sustainable financial health. She holds a JD degree and possesses a deep understanding of legal principles and regulations, enabling her to deliver exceptional legal writing that is both informative and accessible. Melissa's passion for helping individuals navigate complex legal matters shines through in her work, making her a trusted authority in the field of legal writing.

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