The checks and balances needed to satisfy the
Health & Safety regulations are addressed in the
latest guidance. In addition to checks within
the school system - such as getting the head,
teacher's approval for all visits, ensuring
parents have full information and provide
consent, and ensuring that staff are
appropriately qualified - the DfES guidance asks
teachers to check details of outside agencies
such as coach operators.
Specifically, you should be in a position to
verify:
- Driver competence and the transport
provider's,
understanding of drivers' hours regulations
- The transport provider's breakdown
contingency,
plans and insurance
- Their policy for comfort stops en-route
- The safety equipment on the coach,
including first aid.
The coach operator is required to maintain:
- Their 'good repute'
- A current Operator's Licence
- Seatbelts to current standards
- Insurances
- And, for packages including
accommodation, bonding
to protect your monies.
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