The Haven — Policies

THEHAVENPolicies

Transportation Policy for Service Users

3 min read

Date: October 2025
Review Date: October 2026
Coordinator: Head
Nominated Governor: Elliot Wassell
Version: v10.25

**Policy Statement and Purpose
**The Haven is primarily an online provision. Learners usually access provision from home, and responsibility for day-to-day transport rests with parents/carers or Local Authorities (where transport assistance is part of an Education, Health and Care Plan).

This policy sets out The Haven’s approach when transport is arranged for off-site or hybrid activities, ensuring safety, safeguarding, and clarity of roles.

1. Scope

  • Applies to all The Haven-arranged transport for learners (e.g. trips, enrichment activities, exam attendance).

  • Covers staff, volunteers, contractors, and learners.

  • Does not apply to routine journeys arranged privately by parents/carers.

2. Principles

  • Safety First: Transport arrangements must prioritise learner safety and wellbeing.

  • Parental Responsibility: Parents/carers remain responsible for transport to and from learners’ usual place of online learning.

  • Transparency: Arrangements are clearly communicated and consent obtained in advance.

  • Compliance: All transport provision meets statutory and safeguarding requirements.

3.** **Responsibilities

  • Parents/Carers:

    • Ensure safe travel to any agreed off-site event unless The Haven transport is explicitly arranged.

    • Provide up-to-date emergency contact and medical information.

  • Haven Staff/Trip Leaders:

    • Complete transport risk assessment before the event.

    • Ensure appropriate supervision ratios during travel.

    • Carry emergency contact information.

  • Contracted Transport Providers (if used):

    • Must comply with licensing, insurance, and safeguarding standards.

    • Drivers and chaperones must be DBS checked if in regular contact with children.

4. Modes of Transport

  • Public Transport: Learners supervised by staff in agreed ratios. Travel details provided to parents/carers in advance.

  • Minibuses/Coaches: Only licensed, insured operators used. Seat belts must be worn at all times.

  • Staff Cars: Staff may not transport learners in private vehicles unless:

    • Approved by Head/DSL. Staff who are transporting students in their own cars have had the following documents checked by the leadership team prior to agreeing transport: MOT, Driving License, appropriate insurance, DBS and Update Service, Agreement with Lone Working Policy v10.25 if transporting a student 1:1

    • Risk assessment completed.

    • Parental consent obtained.

    • Staff member covered by appropriate insurance.

5. Safeguarding

  • Supervision during transport follows the same safeguarding standards as on-site activities.

  • Lone transport arrangements are avoided; if unavoidable, they must be risk assessed, approved by DSL, and consented to by parents/carers.

  • Learners are reminded of behaviour expectations during travel (Behaviour and Regulation Policy v10.25).

6. Emergency Procedures

  • Trip Leader ensures emergency plan includes:

    • Breakdown/accident procedures.

    • Contacting emergency services.

    • Informing parents/DSL promptly.

7. Monitoring and Review

  • Transport arrangements reviewed after each event.

  • Policy reviewed annually, or sooner if statutory guidance or LA expectations change.

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