Consultancy Services
Our consultancy services provide the crucial skills and resources needed to build and maintain sustainable, safe school transport services and perfectly complement the ISTAS Accreditation Standard. If your school is considering or working towards ISTAS Accreditation or needs support before registering, our specialist help is readily available.
Occupational health in the context of school drivers involves proactive health assessments and surveillance to ensure they remain medically fit to drive, and provide professional health management for drivers to maintain a safe and reliable service.
Booking & Scheduling
Data Management
Driver Occupational Health
Driver Licence Records
Drivers First Aid
Grey Fleet Management
Meticulous booking and scheduling are crucial as they ensure the safe, timely, and efficient movement of students, while also optimising operational effectiveness, fleet and staff resource allocation and minimising costs.
Rigorous data management is vital for school transport operations, as it enables the analysis of historical trends and current performance to reduce costs and inform future planning, ultimately leading to more efficient and sustainable services.
Leasing & vehicle Acquisition
Maintenance & Safety of Vehicles
The systematic inspection, servicing, and repair of school transport vehicles, along with meticulous record management and a regular review of records, are essential to ensure they remain safe, reliable, and fully compliant with all regulatory and safety standards.
Policy Reviews
Section 19, Compliance
Section 19 of the Transport Act 1985 grants permits to non-profit organisations, including schools, allowing them to operate transport services without a full Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operator's licence, with strict adherence to the permit conditions.
Stakeholder Communication
Transport Risk Assessments
Regular communication with parents, staff, and pupils improves operational efficiency by reducing delays and confusion, while also building trust with parents who rely on a safe, reliable and transparent school transport service service.
Thorough checks and records of driver license details are essential for school transport operations to mitigate reputational damage and the risks associated with unlicensed or disqualified drivers.
Specialised first aid training for drivers is crucial for school transport operations to equip them with the skills to respond effectively to medical emergencies, such as asthma attacks or allergic reactions, ensuring the immediate safety and well-being of students in their care.
Grey fleet management involves employees' personal vehicles when used for business purposes, fulfilling an employer's duty of care, and mitigating financial risks associated with accidents or inadequate vehicle maintenance.
Utilising professional assistance for the acquisition and leasing of school vehicles is crucial for ensuring a cost-effectiveand strategic purchasing process, enabling the selection of optimal vehicles at the best price, which ultimately maximises value for the school.
External reviews of school transport policies help to implement best practices, and verify that procedures meet current safety standards and regulatory requirements.
School transport risk assessments are a systematic process of identifying potential hazards and evaluating the risks involved in transporting pupils, from the point of collection to drop-off.
Drivers - Professional Standards
It is crucial for drivers to maintain clear professional boundaries with pupils, staff, and parents, while remaining friendly and approachable. This means always treating pupils with respect and impartiality. This blend of professionalism and approachability is key to a successful and trusted transport service.
Telematics
In the context of school transport, telematics refers to the use of GPS and on-board diagnostic technology to monitor vehicles in real-time, providing crucial data on location, driver behaviour, and vehicle health to enhance safety and operational efficiency.
