Terms and conditions of travel

1. Transport may be withdrawn for a student whose behaviour is not acceptable on the journey. When behaviour first becomes an issue dialogue with the parents/carers and the school/educational setting will begin, with a view to resolving issues prior to any further action being taken. If the issues are not resolved:

• the parent/carer of the student will be notified when transport will be suspended or withdrawn, giving 5 working days’ notice of the suspension/exclusion. This will take the form of a written warning letter, suspension or withdrawal letter.
• if the student continues to misbehave on transport, they will be given a five-day ban, followed by a ten-day ban and finally, the transport provision can be withdrawn permanently.
• it will then become the responsibility of the parent/ carer to ensure their child’s attendance to school.
• if the incident is considered serious enough then the Council reserves the right to withdraw the student from transport immediately to ensure the safety of the student and others
• when warning notices are issued to parents/ carers it is expected that they will speak with their child and check that their behaviour is appropriate

2. If travelling on a bus, students must carry their bus pass at all times as they will be required to show them to the driver when they board the vehicle. Failure to produce a valid bus pass when boarding will result in the student being refused travel.

Defaced, out of date, or passes intended for other users or other services will be retained by either the driver or other transport service staff. Students on taxi transport are not usually issued with passes. Students must not attempt to board any taxi unless a seat on that taxi has been approved (either as an eligible passenger or as a spare seat passenger). Students who are not eligible to travel will not be able to board. Please see clause 7 below.

If your child loses their bus pass a five-day temporary bus pass can be obtained from their school office. This can be used while you order a replacement bus pass for your child. If the bus pass is lost before boarding transport in the morning, alternative transport will need to be arranged by the parent/carer at their own expense.

3. Students must not to eat or drink on the transport for health & safety reasons

4. Students must not smoke or vape on school transport vehicles

5. Students are expected to comply with the driver or passenger assistant’s instructions

6. Vehicles must be left tidy by students at all times. Causing damage to vehicles will be treated seriously and parents may be held liable for the cost of repairs.

7. If your child is found to be travelling without a valid bus pass and/or payment is owing, a fine of £100 will be given for each occasion this happens unless we have been notified and have authorised the travel. The £100 fine will be reduced to £75 if paid within 28 days of the notification letter. Payment of a penalty does not entitle the student to use home to school transport services.

Applications for Spare Seat transport will not be considered until all outstanding penalties have been resolved.