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Understanding entitlements, arrangements and responsibilities for safe school transport

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Local Authority Transport

Home to school transport is provided for pupils who meet the criteria for entitlement to free travel. Understanding these criteria is essential for parents and schools.

Entitlement Criteria

Free home to school transport entitlement is normally dependent upon several key factors:

  • Age of the pupil - Different criteria apply for different age groups
  • Distance from home to school gate - Statutory walking distances must be exceeded
  • Special educational requirements - Additional needs may qualify for transport provision
  • Concessionary travel - May be available if there are spare seats (charges may apply)

Additional Considerations

Local authorities must also consider these important factors when determining transport provision:

Special Medical Grounds

Children with medical conditions that prevent them from walking to school may be entitled to transport regardless of distance.

Dangerous Walking Routes

Routes deemed to be on 'dangerous ground' where it would be unsafe for a child to walk even when accompanied by an adult.

Sibling Arrangements

Where two siblings attend different schools and a parent cannot be in two places at once for drop-off or collection.

Been Refused Transport?

If your child has been refused free home to school travel and you believe they should be entitled to it, or if you need clarification on any of these points, please contact BUSK directly for free advice and support.

Schools Contracting Transport

Schools of any status that contract home to school transport have the same legal duty of care for the safety of pupils and drivers that a local authority has when it contracts home to school services. The duty of care applies when pupils are boarding and alighting and during the journey.

Legal Responsibilities

When schools arrange their own transport services, they assume significant legal responsibilities that cannot be delegated away. These include:

Duty of care for all pupils using the service
Ensuring drivers are properly qualified and checked
Verifying operator compliance and safety standards
Maintaining proper contracts and documentation

Important Note

Schools cannot simply assume that hiring any transport company absolves them of responsibility. Due diligence is essential to ensure safety standards are met.

Parents Organising Transport

Parents who collectively organise dedicated school transport for their children will have legal liabilities to meet.

Understanding Your Liabilities

When one or more parents within a group becomes the organiser of transport, they need to ensure they hire safe transport and understand all legal responsibilities this might bring.

1

Legal Responsibility

The organising parent(s) become legally responsible for the safety and welfare of all children using the service.

2

Operator Verification

You must verify that the transport operator is properly licensed, insured, and meets all safety requirements.

3

Financial Liability

Organisers may be financially liable for any incidents or issues arising from the transport arrangement.

Get Expert Guidance

It is essential to have a good understanding of how to meet all legal responsibilities. For detailed information and support, contact BUSK directly for free, expert advice.

Public Transport

When children use public transport services that parents pay for, different responsibilities and considerations apply.

Parent and Carer Responsibilities

If a parent or carer pays for a child to travel on a service bus that also carries members of the public and stops at designated bus stops en route, then specific responsibilities apply:

Child Capability Assessment

It is the parent/carer's responsibility to ensure that the child is capable of travelling independently on public transport.

Safety Education

Ensure your child understands all safety rules that apply to public transport travel, including boarding, seating, and alighting procedures.

Problem Resolution

If problems arise during public transport travel, these should be taken up directly with the transport company, not the school or local authority.

Limited School/Authority Responsibility

The local authority or school the child attends will not be legally responsible for incidents occurring on public transport services that are not specifically contracted for school use.

Challenge Cheap Coach Hire

When schools hire coach travel, they often choose the cheapest option, but this can put children at risk.

Why Cheap Isn't Always Safe

This important clip explains the hidden dangers of choosing transport based solely on price and what to look for when making transport arrangements.

Learn About:

  • Hidden costs of cheap transport
  • Safety risks to consider
  • Questions to ask operators
  • Red flags to watch for

Need to Discuss Concerns?

If you have concerns about transport arrangements or need guidance on safety standards, please contact us. We are here to help and provide free services to parents, carers, and schools.

Call 07926 116631 Email Us