Download Minibus Policy - Highcrest Academy

Minibus Policy
There has been a change to the policy and this policy has now been
reviewed in January 2016
Approved by Governors Premises Committee:
20 January 2016
Signed by Chair of Committee:
S A McMillan
Ratified by the Full Board of Governors on:
24 February 2016
Signed Chair of Governors:
C Turner
Review Date:
20 January 2019
Policies and British Values
In line with our mission statement, The Highcrest Academy believes in equal
opportunities for all. A fully rounded education will equip our pupils properly for the
challenges of Twenty First Century life. We acknowledge the expectation that the key
British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and
tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, will be routinely emphasised as
part of academy life, both inside and outside the classroom. It is the expectation that
all our pupils will leave the academy prepared to serve the community positively, fully
imbued with a balanced view of society and its differences. This encompasses the
UNCRCs rights for the child.
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Signed\Minibus Policy 20 Jan 2016 V2.doc
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The Highcrest Academy – Minibus Policy
Introduction
This policy is designed to give guidance but is not exhaustive. In essence the school
must ensure that its vehicle is operated safely and complies with all the relevant
legislation governing transport operations.
It is a requirement of our contract of employment that the school’s procedures are
followed by all employees. Failure to do so may result in action being taken under the
school’s Conduct and Discipline Procedure. If you are in any doubt you must seek
advice from the Business Manager or the Principal.
Responsibilities

The Lettings Officer will control all bookings for the vehicle (be they internal or
external).

The vehicle keys will be kept and controlled from the Finance Office. The keys
must be returned as soon as school opening hours permit or posted into the
Finance Office letter box if the Finance Office is closed.

The school’s minibus is owned by the school.

The vehicle must not be used for “hire and reward”

The vehicle must be used only for the purposes of school business; this includes
transporting students to and from local sports fixtures and occasionally on
educational visits.

The minibus can occasionally be loaned out to external organisations whose
nominated driver is fully qualified to drive a minibus (ideally also having a valid
County Council licence /minibus licence) and has the appropriate insurance.
The vehicle must be returned full of diesel and clean both inside and out.

The school uses the school insurance company for the insurance of the
vehicle.

The school uses the County Council for service and maintenance of the
vehicle.

Any defects in the vehicle should be reported in writing to the Site Manager /
Business Manager.

The School will ensure that a valid Road Fund Licence is obtained for the
minibus each year.
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
The minibus can only be driven by approved drivers. These drivers must be
employees of the school and have the D1 category on their driving licence or
must have passed the County Council’s Driving Test. It may be possible to
practice driving the minibus in advance of taking the County Council’s test
and in which case arrangements and approval should be sought in advance
from the Business Manager.

Approved drivers must be medically fit to drive and are required by law to
inform the DVLA at once if they have any disability which is or may become
likely to affect their fitness as a driver, unless they do not expect it to last for
more than three months. They must also inform the Business Manager at the
same time.

Approved drivers must inform the Business Manager if they receive any
endorsements on their driving licence.

Approved drivers must carry both their driving licence and County Council
Driving Licence whilst operating the vehicle.

Approved drivers are responsible at all times for the operational safety and
legal requirements of their vehicle. They must complete and sign the minibus
walk-round checks before taking the minibus out on the road. These include,
but are not limited to:

Lights, horn, stop lights and reflectors

Brakes and steering

Windscreen washers and wipers

Visually inspect the tyres for damage and wear

That there is no damage to the body of the vehicle that is likely to cause
harm

Seat belts are working correctly

The interior is safe and luggage is appropriately stowed
 Drivers must adhere to the current road speed limits
 All fines and fixed penalty tickets are the responsibility of the driver of the
minibus
 If the minibus is involved in an accident the driver of the bus must complete an
accident report form as soon as possible (available from the Business
Manager).
X:\Office-Confidential\PoliciesHCrest MASTER FILE\Updated Policies\ACADEMY POLICIES\Academy Policies
Signed\Minibus Policy 20 Jan 2016 V2.doc
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 The minibus is not appropriately insured to be driven in the EU although it may
be possible to make such arrangements through the Business Manager
Declaration
I have read and understood the Procedures for driving the school minibus.
Signed
…………………………………………………
Name
…………………………………………………
Dated
…………………………………………………
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Signed\Minibus Policy 20 Jan 2016 V2.doc
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