Our Code of Practice involves everyone
The Code of Practice explains the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved in running a successful School Bus service. Make sure you are aware of your part in making the journey as safe and pleasant as possible.
Children agree to:
Be at the pick-up point 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive, wait for the bus on the pavement well back from the road
Have their passes ready for the driver
Wait until the bus has stopped before trying to get on or off
Wait until the bus has moved off before crossing the street
Sit in a seat and fasten their seat belt quickly for the entirety of the journey
Not distract the driver and to cooperate with any requests from the driver or cTs staff
Not smoke, eat or drink on the bus
Not act in a way which is dangerous to themselves, or anyone else
Treat the driver and other passengers with respect
Not leave litter on the bus
Have consideration for other passengers and not use offensive language. If a child's behaviour is unacceptable to the driver or other children, or endangers other people the driver can legally insist the child leaves the bus and can ask the Police to enforce this.
Behave appropriately. Bad behaviour will lead to a child being temporarily or permanently excluded from the School Bus service
Take care of the bus. Causing damage to the bus will result in the child or his/her parents/guardians having to pay the bus company for the cost of repairs and could also lead to prosecution
Report any dangerous behaviour by other children to their driver, parents/guardians or teachers. Remember, serious misbehaviour could Lead to the bus company withdrawing the service where it cannot be run safely
Not to take pictures or record video of passengers whilst on the school bus
The parents and guardians agree to:
Help their children to know and follow the safest route and use appropriate crossing places between home/school and the pick-up point.
Remind children to conduct themselves appropriately at pick-up points or on buses. by;
Waiting for the bus to pull away before crossing the road
Not crossing immediately in front of or behind the bus
Never opening any door on the bus except in an emergency
Never throwing anything out of the bus window
Not distracting the driver, for example by fighting or shouting on the bus
Make sure children have their travel pass with them and ready for the driver
Ensure their child knows what to do if the bus is late or does not arrive
Make sure their child is aware of the financial consequences of vandalism on the bus. Payment to the bus company for any damage caused by a child will be the parents/guardians responsibility
Ensure their child knows how to make contact with the emergency number for cTs - 01484 518908
School Bus drivers agree to:
Follow the scheduled route and timetable, stop at all designated points to pick up and drop off children, and notify their bus company if there are any problems in adhering to the timetable
Ensure that only passengers with a valid School Bus Pass for that service travel on the bus
Report any incident of misbehaviour. If needed, assistance from bus company staff, cTs, the school or the Police will be sought
Complete an occupancy check to ensure everyone is off the bus and for lost property at the end of each journey. Report all lost property to cTs, Label it with date, time and route, hand in to your depot office
Not leave the pick-up point until all children are seated
Ask an adult to act as a guide if it is necessary to reverse the bus, activate reverse buzzer and only reverse before setting down, or after picking up, children
Co-operate with requests of cTs staff who may ride on the bus at any time whilst on the school journey.
Make sure luggage is safely stowed, and the gangway and emergency exits are not obstructed
Enforce the certified capacity of the bus and follow the Highway Code at all times
Not to smoke at any time on board the school bus or within 15 metres outside the bus.
Not to use a mobile phone while driving the bus. If required stop where safe to do so to make essential call