ASN school transport

Code of Conduct

Pupils using school transport are expected to behave responsibly, safely and show consideration for others. Parents, guardians and carers share responsibility for ensuring their child maintains an acceptable standard of conduct while travelling.

If poor behaviour disrupts other pupils or compromises safety we will take appropriate action to protect passengers and staff to maintain a safe environment.

Transport providers may also take independent action in cases of criminal damage or violence towards staff. Such incidents may be reported directly to the police.

Guidelines for pupils

• Be gentle and kind – use polite words and hands to others.
• Listen to the adults – follow instructions from the driver or attendant.
• Stay in your seat – sit safely and wear seatbelts; adults will help if needed.
• Keep your things tidy – put bags, coats, or equipment safely away so they don’t fall or cause a blockage.
• Be safe – do not stand, push, or move around while the vehicle is moving.
• Ask for help – tell an adult if you need something or feel worried.
• Take turns and share space – allow others to sit comfortably and move safely.
• Look after the vehicle – don’t damage the vehicle and be careful with windows and doors.
• Food & drink – do not eat or drink in the vehicle.
• Be patient – adults may help other children too; wait calmly to keep everyone safe.

Some aspects of this code of conduct may be challenging for certain pupils due to the vehicle type or individual support needs. Adults will provide support and adapt expectations where necessary. Individual risk assessments will be completed by school staff and parents, where necessary, to mitigate any risks.

If a pupil’s behaviour in the vehicle becomes unsafe or difficult to manage, the escort or transport operator will inform the school. Repeated incidents, including any risk of injury to staff, will require a meeting with parents, guardians or carers, the school and the operator to discuss strategies and assess whether continued transport support is feasible. 

Responsibilities of parents, guardians and carers

Parents, guardians, and carers play a key role in ensuring children travel safely and behave responsibly on school transport. They are expected to support the council, schools and transport operators to maintain safe, respectful, and orderly behaviour. Communication of any change in the needs of your child is essential. 

When a child does not qualify for free transport, it is the responsibility of the parent, guardian or carer to ensure the child arrives to and from school safely.

• Be ready for handover – ASN transport collects pupils from their home addresses, so parents, guardians or carers must be present for pick-up in the morning and drop-off in the afternoon.
• Arrive on time – drivers will wait up to 5 minutes. If your child is not ready within this time, the vehicle will leave to keep to the schedule.
• Complete travel passports – all required travel documents or passports must be completed accurately before transport begins.
• Prepare your child – ensure they are dressed appropriately for the weather and have everything they need for the day.
• Encourage good behaviour – where appropriate remind your child to stay seated, wear seatbelts, act safely, and treat the driver and other passengers with respect.
• Be aware of consequences – serious or repeated misbehaviour may lead to suspension of free or concessionary transport, with parents then responsible for arranging alternative travel.
• Support safe routines – help your child understand the journey and any instructions from the driver or passenger assistant.
• Communicate changes – notify the School Transport Team of any changes to pick-up/drop-off arrangements or if your child will not require transport.
• Work with staff – cooperate with drivers, passenger assistants, and the Council to ensure journeys are safe and comfortable for all children.

Full code of conduct for ASN pupils