Ahead of school’s reopening in September, Cumbria County Council has published information and guidance for parents and pupils about arrangements on school transport to minimise the risk from COVID-19.
The full guidance is available at: www.cumbria.gov.uk/schooltransport
The key messages for pupils and parents are:
- Only use school transport if there is no safe or practical alternative, such as walking or cycling.
- Social distancing will not apply on dedicated school transport.
- Face coverings should be worn wherever possible while travelling, however these will not be provided.
- Hand sanitiser will be provided on board all dedicated school transport vehicles and it should be used by pupils when getting on, and getting off the bus.
- Children should try to sit within their school bubbles on vehicles, but this is not a requirement and will not always be possible.
- Schools may have arranged a seating plan on the vehicle, parents should ensure their child is aware of this, and follows the school instructions.
Children should not travel to school if they:
- Are experiencing any Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms.
- Are self-isolating as a result of Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or sharing a household, support bubble, or having come into close contact with somebody with symptoms.
- Have been advised by the NHS or local test and trace service to self-isolate.
If parents do not intend to make use of a free or subsidised transport place for their child they should contact [email protected] providing the name, date of birth and school attended of the child in question.
Cllr Sue Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Schools and Learning, said: “We know that these are uncertain times for families as they prepare to send their children back to school, and that they will have concerns and questions about school transport. Please review the FAQ’s and guidance published on the council website, and contact your school or the council’s transport team if you have any questions. This has been a challenging time for schools and transport providers as they adapt to changing national guidance, and we’re grateful for the patience and understanding of parents and families.”
A full list of FAQ’s and guidance regarding school transport is available on the council website here.
