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School Bus Behaviour Policy

Co-op Academy Swinton

School Bus Behaviour
Policy

Version |  September 2020


Introduction

Co-op Academy Swinton expects students to display the same high standards of behaviour we have come to expect in school, when using the school transport. This applies for the Free School Bus from Little Hulton and any other transport provided to students for trips and sports events.

In the unsupervised environment of the Free School Bus, it is possible that standards of behaviour can deteriorate.

This policy outlines the expected standards of behaviour, via a Code of Conduct and provides the possible sanctions for breaking these standards.

This policy has been updated during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and follows the guidelines for travel on public transport that the UK government sets. Covid-19 current requirements have been highlighted in red and must be adhered to at all times to protect the safety of students and the driver of the bus.

The latest government guidance can be viewed at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers 

1.        Code of Conduct

1.1        The following code of conduct applies to students travelling on school buses:

Behaviour

Code of Conduct

Respect for others and their property

Students must:

  • Respect other passengers and their possessions.
  • Follow the driver’s directions without argument.
  • Not interfere with the bus property, equipment or signs.
  • Respect fellow students and the bus driver’s Health and Safety during the current Covid-19 pandemic and follow the latest travel guidance.

Waiting for pick up

Students must:

  • Wait at a suitable distance until the bus stops.
  • Where necessary, allow other passengers to disembark before attempting to board the bus.
  • Stand quietly without shouting or calling out.
  • Board the bus sensibly wearing a face mask – without pushing others or preventing them from entering the bus.

On the bus

Students must:

  • Sit one student per one seat.
  • Remain seated throughout the journey and use a seatbelt if one is provided.
  • Wear a disposable or reusable face mask at all times on the bus (If you do not wear a face covering in these settings you will be breaking the law and could be fined by the government £100, or £50 if you pay the fine within 14 days).
  • Sit at least 1 metre plus apart and located within your allocated ‘Year bubble’ on the bus.

Student must NOT:

  • Speak to or distract the driver unless there is an emergency.
  • Stand in front of the driver on the stairwell.
  • Use the emergency exits or doors unless the driver instructs them to, or if there is a genuine emergency.
  • Eat, drink or smoke on the bus.
  • Use foul or abusive language on the bus.
  • Bully, fight, spit or display aggressive behaviour.
  • Throw items or damage the inside or outside of the bus. If damage is caused the police will be contacted.
  • Change seats during the journey.
  • Block the aisle or seats during the journey.
  • Possess an object that could reasonably be considered dangerous or intended for use as a weapon.
  • Possess, discuss or distribute inappropriate or offensive material.
  • Use a recording device to obtain images, audio or video of the driver or any passengers.
  • Place their feet on the seats.
  • Take off the face mask and sit too close to fellow students deliberately mixing the ‘Year bubbles’.

Using approved bus stops

Students must:

  • Only board or leave the bus at the correct bus collection/drop off point.

Leaving the bus

Students must:

  • Wait for the bus to stop before standing to get off.
  • Leave the bus in an orderly manner.
  • Never cross the road directly in front of or behind the bus.
  • Use pedestrian crossings where available.
  • Walk to the designated ‘Year bubble’ entrance in school and not mix with other ‘Year bubbles’ ensuring social distancing is maintained at all times.

In an emergency

Students must:

  • Wait until the bus stops before standing to get off.
  • Leave the bus in an orderly manner.
  • Wait in the area indicated by the driver.

Student must NOT:

  • Interfere with the emergency equipment.


1.2        To reflect the fact that the journey to and from school should be an opportunity to prepare, relax and unwind, the school permits students to perform the following activities during travel:

  • Use media/audio devices, provided headphones are worn and audio is restricted to sensible levels* Check the latest school Covid-19 policy for use of media devices.
  • Use mobile phones, provided noise levels are kept to a sensible level and they are not used in a manner that breaks the Code of Conduct* Check the latest school Covid-19 policy for use of mobile phones.

* Neither Co-op Academy Swinton nor the Bus Company takes any responsibility for any equipment that may be lost, stolen or damaged.

1.3        Students are required to respect the rights of other passengers to a safe and enjoyable journey.

2.        Sanctions for Unacceptable Behaviour

2.1        As part of its commitment to providing a safe environment for the transport of children and young people to and from school. The Senior Leadership Team (SLT) reserves the right to revoke a Free School Bus Pass if a student’s behaviour is deemed unacceptable.

2.2        Should a student breach the Code of Conduct and action is required, this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

2.3        During the Covid-19 pandemic failure to respect the travel guidance and deliberately placing risk on fellow students or the bus driver will result in an instant ban from the school bus.

School Bus Behavior Policy-September 2020

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