YHA London St Pauls

Overall, the educational visit was successful and the planned learning objectives were achieved. Pupils behaved well throughout the visit and engaged positively with all planned activities. However, a significant concern arose regarding the accommodation at YHA St Paul's. The school was allocated rooms 47–50 on Level 3 (attic rooms). During the period of exceptionally hot weather, these rooms became excessively hot, resulting in several pupils experiencing nosebleeds and discomfort overnight. YHA staff informed school staff that they were already aware these rooms become dangerously hot during heatwaves and advised that they had previously reported the issue to YHA Head Office, requesting that the rooms be decommissioned during periods of high temperatures. They stated that this request had been refused. This information had not been communicated to the school prior to the visit. Initially, YHA staff were reluctant to take any action to address the situation. Following further discussions, additional fans were provided and staff were advised to hang cold, wet sheets in the rooms to help reduce the temperature. As concerns continued, a formal complaint was made and alternative accommodation within the hostel was eventually sourced. Whilst the group was away from the hostel during the day, YHA staff removed all belongings from the original rooms without the school's knowledge. Personal possessions, including valuables, were placed into bags and left unattended in the corridor for several hours before being transferred to the replacement rooms. This was considered wholly unacceptable and created an unnecessary safeguarding and security concern. Following the visit, the school will submit a formal complaint to YHA regarding the management of the situation, the failure to disclose the known risk associated with these rooms, the delay in implementing appropriate control measures, and the inappropriate handling of pupils' personal belongings. Future Considerations For future residential visits, the school will: Request confirmation in writing that accommodation allocated to school groups is suitable for the expected weather conditions and that no known health and safety concerns exist. Specifically request that attic or upper-floor rooms are not allocated during periods of warm weather or heatwaves. Ask accommodation providers to disclose any known environmental risks or previous concerns that may affect pupil welfare before arrival. Confirm procedures for room changes and ensure that, should relocation be required, school staff supervise the transfer of pupils' belongings at all times. Personal belongings must not be removed or handled without the knowledge and consent of accompanying staff. Ensure additional hydration, cooling measures and enhanced overnight monitoring are included within the visit risk assessment where high temperatures are forecast. Consider alternative accommodation providers if satisfactory assurances regarding room suitability, communication and safeguarding arrangements cannot be provided. Despite this issue, the educational aspects of the visit were highly successful and pupils benefited greatly from the experiences provided. The concerns identified relate specifically to the management of the accommodation provider rather than the organisation or supervision of the educational visit itself.

A great location for a school trip to london. Friendly and supportive staff throughout whole trip. Have used this YHA twice now and will be returning again next year.

Clean. Great breakfast and packed lunch. Very helpful staff and great communication before the visit.