Safe School Travel.......

Introduction by Calum MacDonald MP Minister for Housing, Transport and European Affairs at the Scottish Office

It is a pleasure to have been asked by the Scottish School Board Association to provide the foreword for this reprint of the Safe School Travel Code. This booklet is an excellent publication which covers a vital area of road safety.

The Code is aimed at pupils as they travel between home and school whether by walking or cycling, by service bus or school bus, or by car. This is an area where the Government is taking the lead by encouraging and pursuing projects and policies which promote safer travel to school.

In 1997, 575 school children were involved in accidents on their way to or from school - that was a reduction from more than 600 in 1993, but still represents about 18 percent of the total casualty accidents involving children of school age. That number is far too high and everyone involved in road safety and education must play their part in reducing these figures. 1 am determined that we will cut this tragic toll.

Working in partnership is important in achieving this goal, and The Scottish Office was delighted to work with the SSBA in the preparation for the first edition of the Code. One of the real strengths of the booklet is that it is not just aimed at pupils, but also at parents, school staff and school bus operators. It recognises the safety of our children when travelling to school is a responsibility we must all share.

I applaud the SSBA for keeping this valuable Code up to date and welcome the sound advice it contains for all pupils, parents and teachers.

• Ways in which you (school staff, parents, students and pupils) as much as anyone, can play an important part in making the journey to and from school a safe, reliable and comfortable experience.
• Standards of service which the Scottish School Board Association (SSBA) expects from drivers and escorts of vehicles engaged on school transport.

Responsibilities of Pupils, Parents and Schools

Getting from Home to School or to Bus Stop/Pickup Point

• Always walk on the pavement, where there is one.
• If there is no pavement, always walk facing the oncoming traffic.
• Always wear something bright to make you more visible in the dark or in bad weather.
• If you are with younger children, set them a good example.
• If you are with younger children, they should walk on the inside away from the traffic.
• On country roads with no pavements, walk in single file.
• Walk, don't run.
• Don't let someone else persuade you to do something unsafe.

At the Bus Stop / Taxi Pick-up Point

• Stand at the bus stop/pick up point and do not move away from it.
• Don't play around at the bus stop/pick up point.
• Stand well back from the bus stop/pick up point when the bus/taxi arrives.
• Wait until any passengers have got off the bus.
• Get on one at a time and do not push and shove.
• Sometimes delays can occur. If your bus/taxi is late, wait at the bus stop/pick up point for it to arrive.
• Do not wander off.

On the Bus/Taxi Have the right money, or your bus pass ready. Sit still and do up your seat belt, if there is one. Make sure you know where the emergency exits are so that you can calmly leave the bus should there be an emergency. Do not open or play with emergency doors or windows. Always do exactly as the driver/escort tells you. Treat other people with respect.

Cycling to the Bus Stop / Pick-up Point or to School

• Make sure you wear a cycle helmet and that your bicycle is properly maintained.
• Lights should be fitted and working, if out during the hours of darkness or in inclement weather.
• Nothing should be carried on the handlebars.
• Clothing should be bright with reflective fluorescent strips or panels.
• There should be no loose clothing.
• A secure place should be available for keeping the bicycle near the bus stop or school.
• Never cycle on the pavement.

Arriving at School

• Do not leave the bus until you are sure it has stopped.
• Get off the bus/taxi in an orderly manner, don't push or shove.
• Make sure that your clothing or schoolbag does not catch in the door as you get off.
• Do not cross the road until the bus has moved off and you can see clearly in both directions. Use the Green Cross Code.
• Walk into school grounds and the school, keeping an eye open for other buses, taxis or cars near the drop off point.
• Always use a pavement, if one exists.
• Walk no more than two abreast.
• If you have left anything on the bus/taxi and the bus/taxi is leaving, tell your teacher/supervisor right away.
• Do not attempt to run after the bus.

Walking to the Bus Stop / Pick-up Point or to School

• Please remember that the ultimate responsibility for your children's safety rests with you as parents and only by working with the Authority and its contractors can a high level of safety be maintained.
• Young children should be accompanied by an adult while walking.
• Ensure that your child takes the safest route.
• Walk the route with your child at least once and talk about the hazards.
• Children should be suitably dressed- always wearing something bright, preferably with reflective and fluorescent strips or panels.
• Make sure that they leave in plenty of time so that they do not have to rush.
• Make allowances for the weather conditions. Is it windy, foggy or icy? Remember also the low winter sun can be hazardous shining in your child's eyes.
• Your children need to be at the designated pick up point before the scheduled departure time of their transport. Transport operators will not wait for latecomers.
• Teach your children about road safety, especially the Green Cross Code.
• Remind them that playing about at bus stops or on the school transport can result in accidents or injuries.
• Instruct them to do as the driver (or escort) says and not to misbehave. You may be held responsible for any vandalism to the bus/taxi caused by your child.

Travelling from the Bus Stop / Pick-up Point to Home

• Young children should be met at the bus stop.
• If you are parked on the opposite side of the road, cross over yourself to meet your child.
• Never expect your child to cross over to meet you.
• It should be noted that in cases of extreme or persistent misbehaviour, the Authorities reserve the right to suspend free travel facilities. School transport arrangements will then become the responsibility of the parents.

Cycling to the Bus Stop / Pick-up Point

• Assure yourself that your child is a proficient cyclist.
• Make sure your child wears a cycle helmet and that the bicycle is properly maintained.
• Lights should be fitted and working, if out during the hours of darkness or in inclement weather.
• Nothing should be carried on the handlebars.
• Clothing should be bright with reflective fluorescent strips or panels.
• There should be no loose clothing.
• A secure place should be available for keeping the bicycle near the bus stop or school.

Driving your Child to and from School

• Leave in plenty of time.
• Use the car seat belts.
• Stop on the school side of the road.
• Make sure that your child gets in and out on the pavement side of the car.
• Keep clear of bus parking areas or crossing points when dropping off or picking up your child.
• Do not double park or cause an obstruction.
• Be considerate of others when parking.
• Comply with any specific requests that Head Teachers may have made regarding pupil's arrival/departure by car.

Schools can assist in the operation of a safe and efficient transport service by:

• Ensuring that the pupils understand the rules for safe travel including the consequences of misbehaviour and banned activities such as smoking, vandalism, fighting, moving about the vehicle, tampering with the emergency doors/windows, removal of emergency hammers, etc.
• Encouraging pupils to stand back from the edge of the kerb when waiting for the bus.
• Warning pupils about the danger of distracting the driver's attention by misbehaving on the vehicle.
• Ensuring that the pupils are released promptly from class and encouraging them to make their way to the transport departure point as quickly and safely as possible. Delays can result in transport being missed.
• Working with transport operators and the Authority as appropriate in cases of problem behaviour. Taking a firm line with pupils who misbehave on buses will gain the confidence and support of all operators.
• Providing safe access to and from the bus park where available for both vehicles and pupils.
• Trying to ensure that private cars are not parked in such a way that they cause obstruction and danger.
• Ensuring adequate supervision of transport arrival and departure from the school.
• Ensuring that all pupils are on board before transport departs.
• Establishing contingency plans for bad weather or other emergencies in line with the Authorities' policies.
• Providing transport operators with advance details of dates when the school is closed for teacher training, or for early dismissals.
• Taking a firm line with pupils who misbehave on or around school transport. Let it be known that the incident has been reported and that those responsible have been disciplined.
• Being consistent with discipline.
• Ensuring that buses are not overloaded. Please intervene if a vehicle seems too full- it will often be because pupils are on the wrong bus.
• Reporting all shortcomings in service including late or non-operation, incorrect route, poor driving standards and other concerns, advising the Authority of any unresolved shortcomings.
• Ensuring observance of a no smoking policy on school buses and taking firm action against any pupil found smoking.
• Reporting any driver observed smoking, to his/her employer.
• Avoiding as far as possible the need for vehicles to reverse by making sure that the area used by them is clear of obstructions, including parked staff cars.

School Transport

The journey from home to school may consist of various different individual components. Most children either walk, cycle or are driven to school by parents, and the specific safety implications of getting to/from school by these modes are dealt with in other sections of this booklet.

The Education (Scotland) Act 1980 places a legal responsibility on Local Education Authorities to enable the attendance of children living beyond specified maximum distances from school, these being for children under the age of 8 years living more than 2 miles and children age 8 years and over living more than 3 miles from their zoned school.

There is no specific requirement that Local Authorities must provide school transport. They could satisfy their legal obligations by providing either a means of getting from home to school, such as a bicycle, or an allowance for parents to make their own arrangements. However, Local Authorities provide daily home to school transport for most entitled children.

Statutory school transport is provided by a variety of means, including ferries, planes, trains and even hovercraft, but the majority of entitled pupils are transported by bus, coach or taxi/private hire car.

The most common forms of statutory school transport provision are summarised below:

Hired school transport-

Usually consists of the authority hiring a vehicle for the specific purpose of transporting children from home to school, through a contract with a suitably qualified taxi, private hire car or bus operator. On these services, pupils not entitled to free transport may apply to use, free of charge, spare seats not required by entitled pupils. These so called "privilege" or "concession" places only exist until required by an entitled pupil.

Season ticket-

Joint School/Local Bus Contract-

Local Authority Vehicle-

Parental Contract-

Well over 90% of statutory Local Authority school transport is provided using external contractors' vehicles. Your Local Authority is likely to make use of a number and possibly all of the above alternatives, depending upon local circumstances.

Many Local Authorities have enhanced school transport provision beyond the minimum requirements of legislation, for example, by reducing the statutory qualifying walking distance criteria. The distance between home and school is usually measured using the shortest available pedestrian route.

Local Authorities are not required to provide "door to door" transport. Whilst transport is usually provided as close to the home as practical, children may be expected to walk anything up to the legally specified or policy maximum walking distance to/from the transport pick-up point. Parents are responsible for this part of the journey.

In addition to those who qualify for school transport on grounds of distance from school, pupils may also qualify on grounds of special circumstances such as medical, psychological and educational needs or on safety grounds.

Children with special educational needs do not automatically qualify for special transport arrangements. So far as possible, they are integrated with mainstream education and transport arrangements. Some children, however, will require special transport arrangements because of medical circumstances or because they have special educational needs.

Children with special transport needs will normally be individually assessed so that transport is designed for their personal needs. This may include door-to-door transport, special car seats, transport in a wheelchair equipped minibus or the provision of an escort. If you are concerned that your child needs special arrangements which are not being met, you should discuss the problem in the first instance with the head teacher at your school.

The above is a general guide to the provision of statutory school transport by and on behalf of Local Education Authorities. Further information on individual policies and practices governing the provision and operation of school transport in your area can be obtained from the contacts listed at the end of this booklet.

It should be noted that in cases of extreme or persistent misbehaviour, the Authorities reserve the right to suspend free travel facilities.

School transport arrangements will then become the responsibility of the parents.

Transport Operators - Drivers

This section deals with good practice and the responsibilities of drivers of taxis, minibuses and large buses providing home to school transport. Many local authorities already issue drivers and contractors with a Code of Good Practice covering in detail most of the points listed below.

Most vehicles of up to 8 seats carrying pupils from home to school should be licensed as Taxis or Private Hire Cars, and drivers also require a specific licence issued by the District Council to drive them. Most vehicles of 9 seats or more should be licensed as Public Service Vehicles and drivers require to hold a vocational licence to drive these vehicles.

Drivers deemed to have "substantial opportunity for access" to children may also require to be vetted by the local authority for any previous criminal convictions.

Drivers of home to school transport would be expected to adhere to the following:

• Do not drive a vehicle they suspect of being unroadworthy or in contravention of relevant regulations or legislation.
• Follow the scheduled route and timetable and use only designated pick-up and set down points.
• Approach each stop slowly and carefully and ensure that doors are kept closed until the vehicle has stopped.
• Check pupils' passes. Do not refuse to carry a pupil who does not have a valid ticket or pass, but report this to the school.
• Do not drive off until all pupils are seated and, where appropriate, are wearing seat belts or restraints, that doors are properly closed and that no pupils are in the vicinity of the vehicle.
• Ensure that the vehicle does not carry more than the permitted maximum number of pupils.
• Do not smoke while the vehicle is performing the contract.
• Ensure that they work with escorts and are familiar with the usage of any on-board equipment such as seatbelts, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, wheelchair lifts or ramps.
• Ensure they are aware of their role in the event of an emergency, such as a breakdown, an accident, adverse weather conditions, an unforeseen delay or a fire or other hazard. Most Authorities will have fairly detailed procedures which should be followed in such circumstances.
• Report discipline or behaviour problems to the school or Local Authority, but never eject pupils from the vehicle under any circumstances.
• Finally be aware that the welfare of the pupils is of paramount importance and that a considerable degree of responsibility rests with the driver on each journey.

Parents should remember that while the driver bears much responsibility for the safety of the pupils, the parents remain responsible for the behaviour of their children at all times. Pupils must therefore follow the instructions of the driver at all times to make sure that their safety is not compromised.

Transport Operators - Escorts

Escorts are employed on many vehicles carrying pupils with special education needs. Occasionally they may also be used on specific mainstream contracts if deemed appropriate by the Local Authority.

The escort, in conjunction with the driver, should ensure the security, safety, dignity and comfort of pupils in their care. Whilst the escort's primary responsibility is to deal with pupils, the driver and escort must always work as a team.

Regardless of the type of transport (mainstream or special education), escorts should ensure some or all of the following:

• unless instructed to the contrary, sit in the rear of the vehicle where they can best supervise the pupils in their care.
• treat the pupils in a caring and sensitive manner.
• report to the Headteacher of the school any:

• unusual or unacceptable behaviour
• concern over the wellbeing of any pupil
• absentees and reasons for their absence.

• Convey any necessary medication or message between a pupil's home and school, ensuring that this is passed directly to an authorised member of staff and/or the parent.
• On arrival at school, ensure that the special education pupils pass into the care of a responsible member of school staff.
• When taking pupils home from school, ensure they are handed directly to the parent or carer, or that any alternative arrangements or procedures are followed.
• Ensure they are aware of their role in the event of an emergency, such as a breakdown, an accident, adverse weather conditions, an unforeseen delay or a fire or other hazard.
• Ensure that they are familiar with the usage of any on-board equipment such as seatbelts, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, wheelchair lifts or ramps.

The escort should assist the driver in:

• Ensuring that the pupils enter and leave the vehicle safely.
• Physical assistance should be given if requested by the pupil or his/her parent/guardian.
• Adopting safe working practices when using tail-lifts, wheelchair/passenger restraints and other specialist equipment.
• Ensuring that doors are properly fastened.
• Ensuring that pupils remain seated and wear restraints/seat belts (where provided).
• Remaining with pupils in emergency situations while the driver deals with the problem.

Transport Operators - Contractors

The Local Authority's Conditions of Contract or Good Practice Codes applicable to school transport provided by hired contractors should place the following responsibilities on the contractor:

• To ensure that staff and vehicles meet both statutory obligations and any additional requirements set by the Local Authority.
• That drivers are comprehensively briefed on the operation of school transport arrangements, with particular attention focussed on any Codes of Practice issued by the Local Authority.
• That telephone numbers for the people to be notified by the driver/escort in an emergency (i.e. the contractor himself, the school(s)served and the school transport organiser) are on the vehicle.
• That the contingency plans are in place to deal with vehicle failures, staff unavailability, emergency closure of schools(s) and other emergencies. These must complement instructions issued by the Local Authority.
• That all necessary specialist equipment, including tail-lifts, is in good working order and that operational staff are trained in the correct use of the equipment.
• That operational staff are briefed on issues involving pupil safety and behaviour, and that they know never to eject a pupil from a school transport vehicle.
• That they do not sub-contract to another operator without the permission of the Local Authority.
• Report operational or behaviour problems to the school(s) concerned and/or the Local Authority school transport organiser.

If you are dissatisfied

This section offers advice on what to do if you have reason to complain about the school transport services provided:

• If you are concerned about the behaviour of pupils on the transport, contact the Headteacher of the school concerned. Schools have a wide range of disciplinary powers that can be used if necessary to reinforce good behaviour. The school can withdraw free school transport from an individual pupil if this appears appropriate in the circumstances.
• Report suspected bullying to the school - do not suffer in silence.
• If the service is unreliable, or you are concerned about the vehicles used, the attitude of the driver, the timekeeping or other matters relating to the performance of the transport service, contact the person named for your Local Authority at the back of this booklet. They have the authority to pursue matters with the transport operator concerned and will be able to apply formal warnings, financial penalties and other sanctions where appropriate.

When you have a complaint:

• Tell someone promptly. It is very difficult to take effective action or even to identify who was at fault when complaints arrive long after the offence.
• Provide all the detail you can - date and time, vehicle registration, names of people involved can all be useful in identifying the cause of the problems.
• Ensure that your own child's behaviour does not lead to complaints from other parents or from the transport operators.

Who to contact:

• The Head Teacher at your local school
• Your School Board
• Your Local Authority

• Your Transport Operator

Useful Addresses

Association of Transport Co-ordinating Officers, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Gordon Hanning, Representative for School Transport,
Fife Council,
Public Transport Division, Transportation Service,
North Street,
Glenrothes,
Fife,
KY7 SLT

Tel:- 01592 413 105

Scottish School Board Association
Newall Terrace
Dumfries
DGI ILW

Tel:- (01387) 260 428 / 260 488
Fax:- (01387) 260 428
Email:- ssba @ schoolboard-scotland . com

Scottish Office Education Department
Scottish Office
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ

Tel:- (0131) 556 8400

Further information about the Association in England and Wales can be obtained from the Secretary..

Trevor Dobson
Transport Co-ordination Service
Cheshire County Council
North Rivacre Business Centre
Ellesmere Port
L66 3TL

Tel:- (0124) 460 3041

Scottish Road Safety Campaign
Heriot-Watt Research Park,
Riccarton Mill Lane
Edinburgh
EH14 4AP

Tel:- (0131) 472 9200
Fax:- (0131) 472 9201

Confederation of Passenger Transport UK Department of Transport
Imperial House Vehicle Standards and Engineering Division
IS- 19 Kingsway Great Minster HouseLondon 76 Marsham Street
WC2B 6UN London

0171 240 3 131 SW]P4DR

01718903000

Published by
Scottish School Board Association
Newall Terrace
Dumfries
DGI ILW

Reprint 1998

The Scottish School Board Association would like to thank the following
for their help in producing this guide which forms part
of their "Safe School Travel' campaign:

Association of Transport Co-ordinating Officers, Scottish Section

BBC (Education)

Confederation of Passenger Transport UK

Department of Transport

Dumfries and Galloway Police (Road Safety Unit)

Scottish Office Education Department

Scottish Road Safety Campaign

Strathclyde Regional Council (Education Department)

THE SCOTTISH OFFICE

This publication has been sponsored by Top Class Travel,
The Scottish Road Safety Campaign and The Scottish Office.

© Scottish School Board Association. 1996

ISBN 1 900673 00 2