This is a guide for parents of children who travel to and from school by public transport.
West Yorkshire’s safety record for the transport of school students is excellent, whether on dedicated school services or as a part of the commercial public transport network.
In order to maintain and improve that good record, it is vital that everyone involved - students, parents, schools and operators – work together.
The journey to and from school is an important part of the school day for any student. If this journey is planned and carried out with care, the start and finish of your child’s school day will be calmer which should help them to attain the greatest benefit from their education.
Checklist
You are legally responsible for your children’s safety and behaviour between home and school. To help you carry out your responsibility we have provided a checklist below.
- Make sure your child is punctual and gets safely to and from the bus stop.
- Make sure your child takes their bus pass and/ or the correct fare on every journey to school.
- Make sure your child understands how to behave sensibly on and around vehicles.
- Make sure your child understands that passengers are not allowed to smoke on public transport.
- Make sure that your child knows that they must report any incidents of dangerous behaviour or bullying to a teacher.
Unacceptable and dangerous behaviour - the consequences
One or more of the following actions will be taken in response to irresponsible behaviour.
- Withdrawal of bus pass
- Ban from the bus
- Prosecution by the police
- Requirement of parents to pay for damage caused
You should be aware that bus drivers are instructed to follow the guidelines below at all times, in the interests of everyone’ safety - including that of your child:
If the behaviour of ANYONE - of whatever age - on or attempting to board a bus is, in the driver’s opinion, likely to endanger the safety of the vehicle or other passengers, the driver has the right to refuse travel.
