Working together to support your students
Every student should have the opportunity to experience the benefits of learning beyond the classroom.
We know there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to inclusive educational travel. From accessibility and dietary requirements to sensory needs, anxiety and individual student considerations, there can be a lot to think about.
That’s where we can help. By bringing together your understanding of your students and our educational travel expertise, we can explore the options, answer your questions and help you plan a trip that works for your group.
Early planning, tailored support
Starting the conversation early gives us more time to understand your group and consider what will help your students get the most from their trip.
You may not know the full make-up of your group when you first enquire, and that’s absolutely fine. We can begin with what you know, help you consider the key questions and work through the detail as your plans develop.
Your NST Educational Tour Coordinator will be there to provide clear, honest guidance throughout the planning process, helping you understand what’s possible and putting the right arrangements in place before you travel.
Areas we support
There are many factors that can shape a student’s experience of a school trip. Our team can help you explore the practical considerations and understand the options available across the following areas.
Religious and cultural needs
We understand the importance of helping every student feel comfortable, respected and included throughout their trip.
We’ll do our best to accommodate dress codes, cultural practices and other requirements where it is practical and safe to do so.
Where a student is unable to take part in an activity for religious reasons, we can discuss what this means for the itinerary with you. The school would be responsible for arranging suitable alternative supervision.
If attending a religious service is important for members of your group, we can help you explore local options where available. Any additional travel costs would need to be met by the participant, parent/carer or school.
Dietary requirements, allergies and intolerances
We know how important it is for students and their families to feel confident about food arrangements before they travel.
When advised in advance, we can support a wide range of dietary requirements, including coeliac disease, nut and dairy allergies, vegetarian, vegan, kosher and halal diets.
Catering provision can vary between destinations and suppliers, so we’ll give you clear information about what can be accommodated. It’s also worth being aware that interpretations of vegetarian and vegan diets may differ in some countries.
If you have questions about a particular requirement, speak to our team. We’ll be happy to explore the options with you.
Behavioural needs
Thoughtful planning can help more students enjoy and benefit from educational travel.
While behaviour management remains the responsibility of accompanying teachers and school staff, we can help you consider destinations, accommodation, visits and itinerary arrangements that may work well for your group.
If your plans involve additional supervision, discounted adult places may be available to help support your group.
We want everyone to have a safe, positive and rewarding experience. We therefore ask all participants to follow our Code of Conduct and treat others with respect.
Disability and mobility support
Accessibility varies between destinations, accommodation, attractions and transport providers. We’ll help you understand the arrangements for the trip you’re considering, so you can assess its suitability for your students.
If your group requires wheelchair-accessible transport, let us know as early as possible. We’ll explore the available options with you and make the necessary arrangements wherever possible.
NST does not provide personal carers, but discounted places may be available for carers accompanying students on the trip.
Sensory needs, neurodiversity and anxiety
We understand that unfamiliar places, busy environments, changes in routine and time away from home can all affect how a student experiences a trip.
We can help you consider practical factors such as journey times, itinerary pacing, walking distances, accommodation arrangements, busy environments and opportunities for breaks. Where changes are possible, we’ll explore them with you. We’ll also be open about any parts of the trip that are less flexible.
Clear information can make unfamiliar experiences feel more manageable. Where resources are available, we can help you give students and their families a clearer picture of the accommodation, itinerary and experiences ahead, so they know more about what to expect before travelling.
Planning your trip together![]()
From your first enquiry onwards, we’ll work alongside you to understand your group, explore the options and make sure everyone is clear about the agreed arrangements.
1. Start the conversation
Tell us about any additional needs or considerations as early as you can. It’s fine if you don’t have every detail yet. We can start with what you know and build from there.
2. Explore what works
We’ll talk through your plans and help you consider destinations, accommodation, transport, visits and itinerary arrangements that may be suited to your group.
3. Agree the arrangements
Together, we’ll establish what support or adjustments are possible. We’ll be open about any limitations so you have the clarity you need to make informed decisions.
4. Confirm the details
We’ll capture the agreed requirements in writing, making it easier for everyone involved in planning your trip to understand what’s needed.
5. Get ready to travel
As departure approaches, your NST Educational Tour Coordinator will continue to support you, answer your questions and help ensure the agreed arrangements are in place.
Helping students prepare
For some students, preparation and predictability can make a real difference to their confidence.
Your NST Educational Tour Coordinator can help you access the information available for your trip, including details about accommodation, transport, visits and your itinerary. If there are particular details that would help a student or their family prepare, let us know and we’ll explore what can be provided.
We also offer two nights’ complimentary bed & breakfast accommodation in your chosen destination, giving teachers the opportunity to experience key elements of the trip and consider suitability first-hand.
Insurance
Having appropriate insurance in place is an important part of looking after your group, and we’re here to help you understand the process.
If a student has an underlying medical condition, this will need to be shared with the insurer so that the right cover can be considered. This is the medical condition rather than the student’s disability itself.
If you’re unsure what information may be required, speak to our team. We’ll help you understand who to contact and what to do next.
FAQs
When should I tell NST about additional needs within my group?
Start the conversation as early as you can, even if you don't yet know the full make-up of your group.
This gives us more time to consider suitability and highlight anything that may influence your choice of destination, accommodation, transport, visits or itinerary. We can then work through the detail together as your plans develop.
Can NST support students with autism, ADHD or anxiety?
We can help you consider how neurodiversity, sensory needs or anxiety may affect a student's experience of the trip.
Depending on the trip, this might include looking at itinerary pacing, journey times, accommodation arrangements, busy environments and the information students receive before departure. Every student is different, so an early conversation is always the best place to start.
What types of additional needs can NST support?
We can provide guidance and support across a wide range of requirements, including physical disabilities, medical conditions, mobility needs, sensory needs, neurodiversity, dietary requirements, behavioural considerations, and religious or cultural needs.
The support available will vary depending on your students and the trip being considered.
Can you help me assess whether a trip is suitable for my group?
Yes. We can provide information about accommodation, transport, accessibility, activities and itinerary arrangements to help you determine whether a trip is suitable for your students before booking.
We'll explain what's possible, highlight any considerations and help you make informed decisions with confidence.
Can an itinerary be adapted around our students' needs?
Where possible, we'll work with you to explore adjustments to the pace, timing or structure of your itinerary, along with alternative options that may help more students participate.
We'll always be clear about what can be adapted and any elements that are less flexible.
Can you provide information to help students prepare?
Yes. We can help you access the information available about your accommodation, transport, visits and itinerary, helping students and families understand what to expect before they travel.
If there's a particular detail that would help a student prepare, speak to your NST Educational Tour Coordinator and we'll explore what information can be provided.
Can NST advise on staffing and supervision?
While decisions around staffing ratios and supervision remain the responsibility of the school, we can help you consider how your arrangements may affect rooming, transport and the overall trip experience.
Discounted places may also be available for additional adults or carers accompanying your group.
What if I'm not sure whether a student's needs can be accommodated?
Please get in touch. Every student and every trip is different, and we're always happy to discuss your requirements and explore the options available.
The earlier we start the conversation, the more effectively we can support your planning.