Tricia Palmer desperately tried to save her son Max

The report will focus on Max Palmer, 10, from Fleetwood, Lancashire, who was swept away in a small flooded river near Glenridding, Cumbria, in May 2002.

Teacher Paul Ellis pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was jailed for one year last September.

The HSE said their advice would provide practical advice for teachers taking groups of pupils on educational trips.

'Pool plunge'

Max, a pupil at Fleetwood Primary School, was with his mother who was helping on a trip organised by Fleetwood High School when he got into difficulties and drowned in cold, fast-flowing water in Glenridding Beck.

Mr Ellis took the pupils on the adventure weekend, where pupils were "pool plunging" in the beck.

He was described as "grossly negligent" for allowing Max into the water.

Justin McCracken, Deputy Director General of the HSE, said school trips were a vital part of a child's education.

'Risk aware'

"Adventure activities provide the ideal opportunity to make children 'risk aware' by involving them in practical decision-making in challenging environments," he said.

"HSE's views, and its recommendations following its investigation of the Glenridding tragedy, mirror those of the Commons Education Select Committee.

"HSE will continue to champion the message that sensible health and safety is about managing risk rather than eliminating it."

The report will be published on 9 March.

Schools are expected to be advised to follow the government's guidance on field trips and put arrangements in place for assessing and monitoring trip leaders.

Education Secretary Ruth Kelly said last week she wants teachers to continue school trips - and not to fear legal action.