As pupils return to school this week Middlesbrough Council officers from the transport service by working with schools and education settings and bus, coach and taxi providers to prepare staff and vehicles.
Among the key messages, parents and guardians should be aware of are:
- The emergency care and contact form must be returned or the service may not be able to transport the child.
- Every effort has been made to ensure any changes from arrangements from previous years has been kept to a minimum, however the vehicle, times, fellow passengers or staff may have changed.
- The service will not transport to alternative addresses other than those registered.
- Drivers and passenger assistants cannot come onto your property. Passengers should be brought to and from the transport by a responsible adult.
- Ensure your passenger assistant has all emergency contact details.
A number of other important matters are also being highlighted and a letter is being sent to all parents and guardians.
In regards to Coronavirus, any child displaying even mild Covid-19 symptoms will not be permitted to travel.
Middlesbrough Council staff will be wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including the use of masks, aprons, gloves, goggles and/or visors.
Children with special educational needs and disability do not need to wear a face covering but should be prepared for the changes around them, including that they should dress appropriately as the vehicles will be well ventilated.
Mainstream school pupils do need to wear a face covering on transport if they are over 11-years-old.