Safe school transport

Parent's responsibility

We know that lots of children catch the bus each day and that the vast majority of journeys are hassle free. Sometimes though, children can cause offence, even if they don't mean to. This could endanger their journey and that of other passengers. Also, some of the things they do with their friends can create concern to other people, even though they may think they are just having fun.

Parents have a very important part to play in helping to ensure that their child has a safe and pleasant journey on the school bus. Whilst we know that the vast majority of young people are well behaved on school buses, there is unfortunately a small minority whose poor behaviour causes distress and offence to others. As well as being unpleasant, bad behaviour can sometimes escalate into dangerous situations which endanger your child's and other people's safety.

Please read this advice carefully and act on the information it contains. Please also ensure that your child reads, understands and follows the advice given on this page. By working together, we can ensure that your child has a safe and pleasant journey on the school bus.

If you would like any more information about the council's transport support team please telephone the Passenger Transport Unit (PTU) on 01225 712852.

Safety

make sure that your child has read the information regarding travel on school buses and that he/she understands what is expected
all children must follow current government guidance
make sure that your child knows about safety on the roads - teach him/her the Green Cross Code
make sure your child is aware of clothing and bags which could present a danger if caught in bus doors - e.g. loose baggy clothing, hanging belts, long scarves, clothing with toggles, large bags, satchels with loose straps
the law requires that if the vehicle they are travelling on is fitted with seat belts, passengers must wear them. Please make sure your child understands about wearing seat belts
your child will need to know what to do if the bus is late or does not arrive
if the vehicle your child is travelling in experiences a problem, it is essential that they remain in the vehicle until a replacement arrives and follow instructions from the driver. Under no circumstances should they attempt to walk home or to school

Vandalism

Ensure that your child is aware of the consequences arising from vandalism. Vandalism on school buses is an increasing problem and parents should be aware that they would be held responsible for any damage caused by their children including paying all costs for repair. Be aware that if your child does cause damage or creates trouble on the bus he/she could:

be made the subject of an Acceptable Behaviour Contract
be banned from the bus
be prosecuted by the police

You will also be contacted if:

your child smokes or vapes on the bus
your child's behaviour falls below the standard required
your child's actions put the safety of other passengers and road users at risk
your child's actions cause the driver of the bus to become distracted
your child's bus pass is confiscated

You will be required to pay for any damage caused as well as arranging for getting your child to and from school each day.

Younger children

make sure that young children are taken to the bus stop in good time; take and collect young children on the same side of the road as the bus collects and sets them down
ensure that young children are met when the bus returns from school
We recommend you should be at the stop a minimum of 5 minutes before the scheduled time. It is not the responsibility of the bus driver, or the school to ensure that children arrive safely after they have got off the bus
remember that young children are easily excited and can quickly forget about the road safety rules
make sure your child is trained to fasten the seatbelt themselves

Older children

Children should be at the stop a minimum of five minutes before the scheduled time. If your child walks home unaccompanied make sure they know the safest route home and follow the Green Cross code when crossing roads. It is not the responsibility of the bus driver, or the school to ensure that children arrive home safely after they have got off the bus.

Exclusion

The Transport Support Team works in partnership with your child's school to make their journey safe. Pupils identified breaking any of these simple rules, either via the school bus prefect network, on-bus CCTV systems or by complaint, risk immediate exclusion from all home to school transport provided by Wiltshire Council. The responsibility for arranging and paying for transport would then be yours.

Safe School Travel leaflet - printable version (PDF, 668 KB)(opens new window)

Children's responsibility

don't forget your bus pass or money
queue sensibly at the bus stop. Please keep 2-metre distance when queuing to get on the bus. Don't push and shove others whilst getting on or off the bus
don't panic if your bus is late - if it is more than 30 minutes late, call the education transport hotline on 01225 713365
show your bus pass clearly to the driver; give him/her time to examine it
sit on the seat and don't stand on the stairs and don't run or walk up and down the bus unless you are getting on or off
if there is a seat belt you must use it, it's the law
show respect to your bus driver at all times
don't throw items against the bus or out of the windows
don't lean on any bus windows or stand at the front of the bus
don't talk to the driver whilst he/she is driving
don't put your feet on the seats
don't spit, smoke or vape
don't be abusive or swear
remember to take all your litter off the bus with you
eating and/or drinking is not permitted at any time
do not open or use the Emergency Exit unless instructed to do so by the driver, or in the event of an emergency

If you follow this simple advice, your journey, and that of others, will be a pleasant experience. If you don't then your bus driver could become distracted and an accident may happen.

Unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated. In all instances of unacceptable behaviour the school and parents of those concerned will be contacted.

Bullying, vandalism or unruly behaviour will result in exclusion from transport. In these circumstances it will become your parent's responsibility to transport you to and from school.

Before we allow you back on the transport you will have to sign an acceptable behaviour contract.

Remember

Do not accept anti-social behaviour on your bus - report it to your bus prefect or a member of school staff, or email educationtransport@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).

How you can help

If you see any incidents taking place, please act responsibly. You can report incidents in many ways:

to your school
to a bus prefect
to your parents
to the transport support team on 01225 712852 or email educationtransport@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window)

All reports will be treated in confidence.

Don't let it become acceptable for those who cause discomfort on your journey to continually get away with it.

be aware that bad behaviour on school transport will not be tolerated and that we always take action against offenders
CCCTV may be in operation and bus prefects may be used on home to school transport
the council's transport support team investigates all incidents reported to them by passengers, bus operators and schools

Don't let it be you and your parents we have to speak to next!