Code of Practice Home/School Transport of Pupils ... - Angus Council

14. Drivers must make absolutely sure that all disembarked pupils are well clear of thevehicle before moving off and that no-one is attempting to return to the vehicle forproperty left behind. Parents/carers must be discouraged from crossing with theirchildren in front of or behind the vehicle.15. When reversing, drivers must ensure that everyone is well clear of the vehicle.16. No unauthorised passengers should be transported.17. Passengers must not be left unattended in the vehicle at any time except whenassistance is being given to a passenger who is boarding or alighting from thevehicle. The driver must not at any time leave the vehicle completely unattendedwith passengers on board. If a driver has cause to leave his vehicle with the escort incharge, the ignition keys must be removed.18. Drivers must make themselves available to attend training related to themanagement of pupils who have additional support needs when required to do so.19. Should a passenger require urgent medical assistance, the passenger concernedshould be made as comfortable as possible and the driver/escort should dial 999 torequest assistance. Contact should be made with the Transport Team andhome/school as soon as possible with an explanation of the reason for the delay.20. In the event of an accident or breakdown, the driver should immediately summonhelp and ensure that the pupils are not left unattended. The contractor and theTransport Team must be made aware of the circumstances at the earliest opportunityso that appropriate arrangements can be made for the safe completion of the pupils'journey. Outside office hours information for the Transport Team may be left on ananswer phone, but all further appropriate measures must also be taken, including, ifnecessary, contacting parents to advise them of the situation.21. If a parent or carer is not at home when the driver delivers a passenger, thepassenger must be returned to the vehicle. The driver must alert the Transport Teamto the problem immediately by phone and request advice. This advice will usually bethat the vehicle should continue on its route and a note left for the parent/carer toexplain this. The driver should contact the Transport Team again at the end of theroute and before returning to the home address. The driver may be instructed to takethe passenger to a care agency eg People Directorate - Social Work & Health. Thepassenger should never accompany the driver/escort home. If the parent/carer islate on a regular basis, the Transport Team/school staff must be informed.22. Where a child absconds from a vehicle which has no escort, the driver is responsiblefor alerting the school, the Transport Team and the Police immediately.23. Drivers must contact parents before the first morning on which transport is to start tointroduce themselves, and the escort if appropriate, and discuss practical details.24. On Contracts where there is no escort, drivers must report any cases ofmisbehaviour by pupils to school staff. On homeward journeys, the parents shouldalso be informed where appropriate.10