Minibus Policy
| MINIBUS POLICY |
| People Permitted to Drive the Minibus |
| 1. Anyone over 21, who has been driving on a full licence for two years and fulfils the criteria below. 2. No one with 3 points on licence can drive the minibus. 3. All drivers who have completed an assessment with a qualified instructor. This certificate of competence must be updated every four years. 4. Only drivers with current minibus accreditation. People over 50 must have a doctor's letter, (Appendix i) stating that they are fit to drive which is updated every 3 years. 5. People under 50 must sign the official self-certification (Appendix ii) stating that they are fit to drive, to the best of their knowledge, which is updated every 2 years. 6. Drivers over 60 need a doctor's letter, updated every year, to confirm that they are fit to drive Our school office will ask to see the required documentation, (licence, local authority mini-bus test certificate) the first time that a driver from a borrowing school takes the bus, and keep a record of this. It is suggested that a short familiarisation drive for new drivers is undertaken before going out with children. A member of the office staff will accompany a new driver to the compound to assist in accessing the bus and to ensure that everything is in order. |
| Responsibilities of the driver, and teacher if applicable |
| 1. To do a visual check of exterior before the journey and informing the office of anything that they think needs to be reported 2. To ensure with that all children and adults have their seat belts fastened. 3. To ensure that the gangways are clear and all luggage is securely stored away. 3. To have their mobile phone (leaving the number with the office) or take the school mobile on any journey. The phone must be switched on. 4. To notify the office of anything that they notice when they are driving the bus. |
| TOP |
| Parking, Servicing and Maintenance of Minibus |
| 1. When not in use, the minibus will be parked in the compound, as far as possible from the tree. The compound to be closed at all times and locked at night & weekends. 2. A minibus maintenance person, currently Mr Peter Carter, will clean the bus regularly and check the water, tyre pressures and oil. Seasonal checks i.e. after the long summer holiday will also be carried out. 3. The bus is to be accessible at all times. |
| Before/During a Journey |
| 1. There will be no loud singing or the use of the radio 2. Side & back doors must be shut by the driver or accompanying adult, but not locked. 3. The driver completes the logbook at the beginning and end of a journey. 4. The bus will not be taken out in icy or snowy conditions, or when fog or mist are thick enough to cause a hazard. 5. Children are not to travel in the front seats under any circumstances. 6. If weather conditions deteriorate unacceptably, the journey MUST be aborted. 7. In case of breakdown, telephone the school for instructions. If advised phone the number on the dashboard for the breakdown service. |
| TRIPS APART FROM FIXTURES AND CURRICULUM SWIMMING |
| 1. There must be a list of all group members including the driver left in the school office and on each bus used. 2. An emergency driver should accompany the group. 3. The driver will return the bus to the parking compound next to the Caretaker's house. *THE OVERRIDING CONCERN MUST BE FOR THE SAFETY OF THE CHILDREN * |
| TOP |
| General points |
| 1. Mobiles phones are NOT to be used by the driver while driving. 2. If children have to be taken in cars, the office must see the adult's insurance to check that they are covered for this. 3. A First aid kit to be carried on the bus at all times. The registered first aider will check it on the first working day of each month. 4. It is the teacher's/ first aider's responsibility to ensure that any necessary medication is taken on trips. 5. Arrangements for physically disabled children will be discussed with their parents on an individual basis. Drafted by the Minibus Committee - Spring 2004 Agreed by Staff & Governors - October 2004 |
| Return to Index |