We are able to offer assistance to parents with transporting their children into school.  We offer transport each day along nine selected routes and continue to develop the transport provision.  We hope to be able to accommodate pupils from other areas, but this will depend on demand.  It is important that the school is made aware of possible transport needs as soon as possible to allow time to investigate possible additional provision.

Currently there are four methods of transport in operation:

1. School Minibus
2. Contract Hire arranged and co-ordinated by the school
3. Morning only transport in co-operation with Durham School
4. Contract Hire by private arrangement with parents

Methods 1 and 2

Our commitment to you, having agreed arrangements, is to transport your daughter to and from school each day of term at agreed times and at an agreed cost.  The charge for this will appear on your fee invoice the following term.

Your commitment to us is for one-way or two-way transport every day of the term.  It is not possible for us to take account of extra curricular activities when your daughter is in school after the normal finishing time and needs to be collected later.  I am sure you will appreciate that transport can only be arranged on a full term basis and, whether your daughter travels or not, the journey needs to be paid for.

There are rare occasions when due to different finishing times of junior and senior schools we may request you to make special arrangements for collecting your daughter – in such a case we will ensure that no charge is made.

We prefer that transport is two-way; however there are some circumstances where this is not practicable and we would try to come to an arrangement with you for either morning or evening journeys.  Should there be a shortage of seats, however, preference will be given to those requiring the full service.

Method 3

We will, on your behalf, make arrangements with Durham School for the morning transport of your daughter on one of their routes, which will be organised when they have established their own travel requirements. The commitment from us and from you is as above.

Method 4

We will be happy to put you in touch with the contractors who already operate a service to and from school organised privately by parents. It is then up to you to accept or reject the requirements of the contractor.

Safety

We are not always able to transport children in reception classes because of their size in relation to the seatbelts fitted in most vehicles.  In the best interests of your daughter's safety we must insist on seatbelts being worn correctly (i.e. over both lap and shoulder) at all times and we look for your co-operation in ensuring this happens.  Non co-operation would result in the offer of transport being withdrawn.

We would prefer children in Infant and Junior classes to be accompanied by either an older sister or an older child who is known to the family.  The school will review each case sympathetically.

Conduct

The school’s Code of Conduct/Behaviour Policy operates on transport to and from school. Undesirable behaviour is never acceptable and could result in your daughter not being allowed to use school transport. Food and drink are not to be consumed whilst travelling on the bus. Chewing gum is strictly forbidden by the Transporters.

If you require further details of the routes,
fares or any general enquiry please contact:
           
Mr Brian Craig                       0191 3843226