Teaching unions are divided over new government guidelines concerning the arranging of school trips.

The guidance follows a number of incidents earlier this year.

Procedures include appointing one member of staff to conduct risk assessments of every outing and to teach colleagues on first aid and "hazard awareness."

The NASUWT yesterday claimed that the move would prevent schools from offering trips amid fears of litigation.

"It is completely unacceptable to place one person in charge like this," said Chris Keates, deputy general secretary of the union.

"The headteachers and governing bodies are already ultimately responsible for trips - making a member of staff liable if something goes wrong will not make trips any safer, but it will place them under unnecessary pressure."

However, in a statement, the NUT welcomed the proposals.