Transport to Diploma Principal Learning
Introduction
The Principal Learning element of many Diploma courses is delivered away from students’ home schools, either at another school or at a college of further education. Therefore, for some students, there will be a need to travel to access their Principal Learning. For most, this will simply mean making their own way across town to another school on their Principal Learning day. However, for a significant number of students, there will be a need for them to use the existing transport networks or for them to have specially arranged transport provision.
Safety
The transport provided will be safe and reliable:
- All of our transport operators are licensed and controlled by either the local district/borough council or by the Traffic Commissioner;
- These organisations also organise spot checks on operators, often in cooperation with the county council and the police;
- All of the drivers operating contract vehicles are subject to a CRB check;
- All teachers driving school minibuses must pass a special driving test;
- Reliability issues will be dealt with swiftly by the Transport and Access Coordinator based in County Hall.
Behaviour
Some parents may be concerned about behaviour, particularly the parents of students who do not normally use transport to get to and from school. Somerset County Council and all of the secondary schools in the county take this issue very seriously and have issued a behaviour protocol. This protocol ensures that students know what is expected of them and of what may happen to them if they fail to meet the simple expectations contained in the ‘Guide to Behaving Responsibly’. More information on this successful initiative can be found here:
http://www.somerset.gov.uk/irj/public/services/directory/service?rid=/guid/201a4fc4-5436-2c10-e885-829d7f4c8dfd#
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who qualifies for transport assistance?
We will provide transport assistance to any student who lives more than three miles from their nearest, suitable Principal Learning establishment. This matches the rules for the provision of home to school transport for 14-16 year olds.
If a student has learning difficulties or a physical disability, transport will be provided if it is necessary for the student to access their Principal Learning. In addition to the provision of transport, additional adult supervision (an escort) will also be provided, if required.
What will the transport cost?
Transport will be provided free of charge until further notice. Transport for Diploma courses is currently funded by the Department for Education (DfE) through a fund which recognises Somerset as a rural and sparsely-populated county. However, this funding is not guaranteed for future years.
What sort of transport will be provided?
Wherever possible, we will provide passes to access the existing transport networks, either public transport or school transport. If these networks are not available, we will try to use minibuses owned by the schools and colleges. If this is impractical, we may then resort to specifically contracted minibuses and taxis, although this will be a last resort.
What happens if a bus pass is lost?
There are two types of bus pass: passes issued by the County Council and passes issued by bus companies. Currently, only First Group have opted to issues their own passes.
If a bus pass goes missing, please go to this area of the Somerset County Council website and follow the instructions:
http://www.somerset.gov.uk/irj/public/services/directory/service?rid=/guid/507fa0f1-0f58-2c10-979c-ead6597da041
Please note, for Diploma transport, Southwest Coaches’ passes come under the County Council scheme.
This page was last updated on 28 July 2010
