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

ESCORTS(It should be remembered that, as noted previously, the driver is in overall charge ofthe vehicle and its operation and is responsible for ensuring that the vehicle isdriven in a safe and secure manner.)1. Drivers and escorts, like all local authority staff, are expected to maintain rigorousstandards of confidentiality about any information of a personal nature of which theybecome aware in the course of their duties.2. Escorts must wear a personal identification badge with a photograph issued by aLocal Authority.3. The escort is responsible for the direct supervision of the pupils and must remain on,or within the immediate vicinity of, the vehicle at all times while passengers are onboard.4. When required by the Transport Team, all escorts must attend relevant training whichwould help in their understanding and management of pupils who have additionalsupport needs, and in carrying out their duties, for example Passenger AssistantTraining Scheme courses, Emergency First Aid Training or Moving and Handlingtraining.5. Escorts should sit to the rear of the vehicle in such a position that they have a goodview of, and immediate access to, all the pupils.6. Escorts must ensure that all pupils are properly seated and fastened appropriatelyinto their seat belt, special seat, harness and, in the case of wheelchair passengersthat the wheelchair is suitably restrained.7. Where an escort is being provided on a contract, the escort must accompany thedriver to meet the pupil and parent in advance of the first day on which transport is tobegin.8. Escorts provide an important link between home and school and should note thetime, place and details of any medical or other incident and ensure that it is reportedto school staff on the day of the occurrence or, if the incident occurs on thehomeward journey, to the pupil’s parent or carer on arrival at the vehicle stoppingplace. Any incident must be noted in the Behaviour Report Book.9. Upon arrival at the pupil's home or school, the escort should assist the passenger toalight from the vehicle before handing responsibility over to the nominatedresponsible adult who has met the vehicle.10. On no account should a passenger be left either alone or with an unauthorisedperson.11. Escorts must report any cases of misbehaviour by pupils to school staff. Onhomeward journeys, the parents should also be informed where appropriate.12