Frequently Asked Questions

Q&A: Everything School Trip Organisers Need to Know About Sentryp

Planning and running school trips is hugely rewarding – but it also carries big responsibilities. Parents want reassurance, schools need safeguards, and trip leaders must balance safety with fun and freedom. Sentryp is the UK’s leading school trip safety and safeguarding platform, designed to make trips safer, simpler, and more connected.

Here are the key questions school trip organisers ask most often.

Q: What exactly is Sentryp?

A: Sentryp is a safety and safeguarding trip management platform designed for schools. It combines real-time tracking, non-intrusive media sharing, and 24/7 emergency crisis support – giving teachers confidence and families peace of mind. With over 18,000 trips already supported, it is widely adopted by schools, parents, and local authorities across the UK.

Q: How does Sentryp work?

A: When you sign up, we send you a pre-configured smartphone that you keep, plus secure login details for your trip setup portal; setting up takes just 4–5 minutes.

Before departure, the trip information loads automatically onto the device. On the day, you simply switch it on and live tracking appears on the parent-facing dashboard. This provides real-time reassurance while keeping control in the school’s hands.

Q: How much does Sentryp cost?

A: Sentryp is £60 per month. That covers the handset, unlimited UK calls, texts, and data, European roaming, and up to 20 days’ roaming outside Europe. Every subscription also includes an advertising space on the parent page.

Many schools cover the cost by asking a local business to sponsor it or by passing the slot to their business manager and PTA to find an advertiser. 

Additional subscriptions come with their own advertising space, so schools can build a fleet of devices and ensure every trip benefits from Sentryp at little or no net cost.

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Q: Are we limited in how many trips we can use it for?

A: No. The service is unlimited. Whether it’s day trips, residentials, or overseas excursions, you can use the handset and the Emergency Response Centre as often as you like.

Q: Can we use the device as a normal phone when not on trips?

A: Yes – it’s fully inclusive for everyday use. The only restriction is no streaming or tethering.

Q: Do we have to let parents follow the trip live?

A: No – schools decide on accessibility. Many choose to share the map because it reduces calls to trip leaders and the school office, while giving families valuable reassurance. Parents often say the updates and photos help them feel part of the trip without being intrusive.

Q: How does the media sharing work?

A: Staff can take and upload photos, videos, and blogs straight from the Sentryp phone. These appear on the live map page, creating both a running timeline for parents and a record for the school. Media can be explored through the interactive map or via a gallery, and administrators can download high-resolution images for reports or newsletters.

Q: How long does the trip tracking stay live?

A: Indefinitely. Schools and parents can revisit trips years later – many still look back at journeys recorded in 2018. This provides both an archive and a living record of experiences.

Q: What exactly does the Emergency Response Centre provide?

A: The Emergency Response Centre (ERC) has supported schools and frontline workers since 2013. Staffed by highly trained professionals, the team monitors UK and international news to spot risks that could affect your trip.

If there’s an incident nearby, we can set up exclusion zones and issue alerts – and we don’t just text, we call to confirm the message has been received.

If you tap the emergency button on the device, the call comes straight through to the ERC team, who know your location and group details. If required, they can bring in senior leadership, insurers, emergency services, embassies, or other partners to resolve the issue quickly.

Q: Can we see what the parent-facing map looks like?

A: Yes – just email info@sentryp.com and we’ll send a link. It’s the easiest way to see how reassurance, safety, and storytelling come together in one simple page.

Final Word

School trips should create lifelong memories – but behind the smiles, safety and organisation are critical.

Sentryp is redefining how schools approach that challenge, turning anxious moments into confidence, easing staff workload, and helping parents feel connected every step of the way.