School Transport Code of Conduct 2025 to 2026

Purpose

This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for students using Dorset Council’s school transport services. It ensures that journeys are safe, respectful, and comfortable for all passengers and staff. It also supports students’ independence and wellbeing, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND).

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1. Passenger Expectations

All students are expected to:

always behave responsibly and respectfully
follow instructions from the driver and Passenger Assistant
use kind language and keep noise to a reasonable level
avoid distracting the driver unless in an emergency
treat the vehicle and equipment with care
keep the vehicle clean, including no eating, drinking, smoking, or vaping
where provided, wear seat belts as required by law and remain seated unless instructed otherwise
ensure bags are safely secured (e.g., under the seat, in the rack, or on their lap)

Additional Notes:

SEND Support: Students with SEND will be supported to travel safely. Behaviour expectations still apply
challenging Behaviour: If a student is behaving aggressively or has become dysregulated, do not place them on transport
damage to Vehicles: Parent/Carers may be responsible for repair costs if damage is caused
lost Property: Dorset Travel is not responsible for lost or damaged belongings

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2. Behaviour and Consequences

Unacceptable behaviour may result in:

written warnings
temporary or permanent suspension from transport
investigation into alternative arrangements (mileage allowance may be offered)

Examples of unacceptable behaviour:

bullying, fighting, or threatening others
use of foul, abusive, sexist, racist, or homophobic language
viewing or sharing inappropriate content
refusal to wear seatbelts where provided and or follow safety instructions
endangering others or damaging property

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3. Parent and Carer Responsibilities

Parents and Carers must:

explain expected behaviour to their child
share relevant medical or behavioural information and strategies
inform Dorset Travel of any relevant changes. (e.g. contact details, medical conditions, wheelchair models, or school/home address)
if Dorset Travel deem your child’s behaviour to be unsafe, you may be asked to arrange alternative transport
if your child leaves school mid-year, notify Dorset Travel immediately
if your child is unwell, do not put them on transport
if your child becomes unwell at school, you are responsible for collecting them
notify Dorset Travel if you have collected your child early and they no longer require transport. (Those travelling on larger buses/coaches are excluded)

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4. Transport Arrangements

Passenger Assistants: If your child is eligible to receive support from a Passenger Assistant, please note this may take time to arrange.
Only authorised passengers and staff may travel.
Parents/Carers must not board the vehicle unless they act as an approved Passenger Assistant.
Where appropriate, Parents/Carers must be present at pick-up and drop-off unless written consent is provided for independent travel.
We recommend that Students be ready 10 minutes before pick-up time.
If transport is missed, it is the Parent/Carer's responsibility to arrange alternative travel.
If transport is not accessed in the morning, transport will not be available in the afternoon unless the Parent/Carer has notified Dorset Travel.
One-off Cancellations: Notify Dorset Travel if your child doesn’t need transport for a day.
Repeated missed collections may result in transport being withdrawn.
Drivers will not enter private land or driveways.
Drivers and Passenger Assistants will not leave the vehicle.
If no appropriate adult is present at drop-off, the contractor will call Dorset Travel, who will attempt to contact Parent/Carer while the driver continues the route. If unsuccessful, Dorset Travel will ensure the student is left with an appropriate adult, e.g., school staff, a social worker, or a police station.
Late Transport: If transport is more than 15 minutes late and you haven’t been contacted, call Dorset Travel.
Adverse Weather: Be prepared for cancellations, for example, because of heavy rain, snow or ice.
Communication: Keep contact details up to date.
Special Timetables: Transport is not provided for work experience, breakfast clubs or after-school activities.
Equipment: Any equipment provided by Dorset Travel must be returned when no longer needed.