THOUSANDS of parents will be wondering today just how safe their children are following the latest tragic end to a school trip.

The two Leeds school pupils swept away join a long line of youngsters who have been the victims of an accident while on an organised school trip.

Stringent guidelines are in place governing school outings from the Department for Education and Employment.

They were tightened in 1998 after four sixth formers died while on a canoeing trip.

By law, a risk assessment has to be carried out before taking children on a trip and teachers in charge have "a duty of care to make sure that pupils are safe and healthy".

Assessing the risk involves deciding what the hazards are, who might be affected, what safety measures should be taken and having an emergency plan.

David Henderson, headteacher at Hummersknott school, in Darlington, has a specified member of staff who vets the organisation of trips.

He said: "You have to predict the banana skins before you slip on them.

"We have a detailed checklist for our teachers to follow, and always make sure that they are familiar with what they are doing and are qualified to do it."

Teachers organising a trip must consider the location and type of activity involved, the competence of staff, the teacher-pupil ratio and the ages of the members of the group.

Schools must also explore what insurance cover is available in case of injury, against an increasing fear that they could be sued by parents if anything goes wrong.

Anyone attempting to read the guidelines issued by local authorities, the government or safety watchdog Rospa faces a mammoth task.

Durham County Council's guidance booklet to its school runs to more than 70 pages.

A spokeswoman said: "We have a comprehensive document outlining advice and guidance on a vast range of outdoor pursuits to ensure the safety of those taking part.

"It is regularly updated and will continue to be so."

Ultimately though, despite all the guidelines and safety precautions, children cannot be wrapped in cotton wool and accidents will happen.

As County Durham headteacher Trevor Drury said: "If you can follow all the guidelines you have done everything in your power to keep them safe.

"Other than then tying the children's hands together there is no more you can do."