Father's Anguish: Son Suffers Severe Burns on School Trip to Spain

A father expressed his outrage after his 12-year-old son, Oliver Oakley, returned from a school trip to Barcelona suffering from severe second-degree sunburn. The incident occurred in late May during a week-long excursion organized by Parklands High School in Chorley, Lancashire, where students spent a full day at a water park under intense sunlight, with temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius.

Simon Oakley, the boy's father, reported that Oliver had not been provided with adequate sun protection, including sunscreen or protective clothing, despite the high temperatures. The school trip, which took place from May 24 to May 30, involved extensive travel via coach, culminating in the visit to the water park. It was on the final day of the trip that Oliver suffered the burns, which later worsened during the return journey home.

"I feel incredibly let down and disappointed with the school," Simon Oakley stated. He noted that when Oliver communicated his discomfort to the teachers on the bus journey home, they only provided him with paracetamol and applied heavy-duty plasters to his blisters, which proved insufficient for his severe condition. Upon their return, Simon and his partner immediately took Oliver to Preston Royal Hospital, where medical staff confirmed that his burns were of a second-degree nature. They proceeded to treat the blisters and damaged skin, an experience that left Oliver in significant pain, as reported by his father.

According to Dr. Emily Carter, a dermatologist at the University of Manchester, second-degree sunburns can result in severe pain and long-term skin damage if not managed properly. "Sun protection is essential, particularly for children, whose skin is more sensitive and vulnerable to UV damage," Dr. Carter emphasized. She also pointed out that schools should enforce strict sun safety policies, especially during outdoor activities.

The incident has drawn attention to the responsibilities of educational institutions regarding student safety during trips. According to a report by the National Health Service (NHS) published in 2022, sunburn can lead to increased risks of skin cancer later in life, underscoring the importance of preventive measures such as sunscreen applications and protective clothing.

In light of the incident, Simon Oakley has filed a formal complaint with Parklands High School, expressing his dissatisfaction with the school's response. "The headteacher phoned me back but essentially said there was nothing more that could have been done for my son, even though seven teachers were on the trip," he recounted.

The school's official position remains unclear, as attempts to obtain a comment from Parklands High School have been met with an automated response indicating that staff were unavailable for comment. The lack of communication has further frustrated the Oakley family, who feel that their concerns have not been adequately addressed.

This incident has sparked a broader discussion about sun safety in educational settings. According to the Sun Safety Campaign, a public health initiative, schools are encouraged to develop comprehensive sun safety policies that include educating students about the importance of sun protection and ensuring that sunscreen is readily available during school trips.

As the Oakley family navigates Oliver's recovery, which has reportedly taken about a month, they hope to raise awareness about the potential dangers of sun exposure and the need for schools to take sun safety seriously. "No child should come home in that kind of pain after what’s meant to be a fun trip," Simon Oakley concluded, urging other parents to advocate for their children's safety in similar situations.