Transporting Children

For distances in excess of 300 miles, two drivers may be required; drivers must share the driving equally.

The following must be taken into account:

1. Passenger safety;
2. Competence of the driver;
3. Awareness of driver's hours;
4. Traffic conditions;
5. Contingency funds and arrangements in case of breakdown/emergency;
6. Weather;
7. Journey time and distance;
8. Stopping off points for long journeys and toilet breaks - 20 minutes every 2 hours;
9. Appropriate seat belts or restraints must be used and fastened (see end of this section, below, for requirements);
10. The transport must have a first aid kit;
11. A mobile telephone should be taken/carried by each member of staff. If mobile 'phones are not carried suitable arrangements should be made to enable communication between staff undertaking the activity;
12. Any risk assessments.

A First Aid Kit and Fire Extinguisher must always be carried on the vehicle.

Where outdoor activities are planned, suitable First Aid Kits should be carried away from the vehicle.

Before setting out, staff must ensure that suitable mechanical checks are undertaken in relation to the vehicle.

Seat Belts/Restraints

NOTE: The term 'Child Restraint' means 'Booster Seat', 'Child Seat', Baby Seat' and 'Booster Cushion'. For detailed guidance on these terms see Page 4 of Seat Belts Leaflet issued by the Department of Transport.

See also Seat belts: the law (GOV.UK).

1. For guidance on Risk Assessments see Leisure and Activities Procedure, Guidance Regarding Risk Assessments. Where a risk assessment states that a child should be accompanied by more than one member of staff, this must be adhered to;
2. Children over the age of 12 may be allowed to sit in the front of vehicles if the arrangement is approved by the Home's Manager. If children are required to sit in the rear of vehicles, they must be accompanied by staff;
3. Children may not hold or be responsible for vehicle keys and may not steer cars or use petrol pumps;
4. All vehicle occupants must wear suitable seat belts or restraints at all times when in vehicles;
5. Children must not tamper with or use any controls except, at the discretion of the driver, the radio/stereo;
6. If it is assessed that a child may be distressed whilst in the vehicle or a child becomes distressed to the extent that the safety of the vehicle or occupants may be compromised, the vehicle must be stopped; preferably in a lay-by or suitable stopping place. However, the vehicle may have to be stopped at the side of the road or on the hard shoulder of a motorway. In these circumstances, the hazard warning lights should be activated, the occupants should get out of the vehicle and stand well away from the road, and the emergency services must be summoned;
7. If the safety of the occupants is compromised, with the risk of Injury or Damage to Property, Physical Intervention may be used or, if deemed necessary, the Police should be called to assist. If children with a history of challenging behaviour in vehicles are being transported, staff must ensure that a thorough risk assessment is completed prior to undertaking the journey. The following may be considered when completing the risk assessment:
   1. Where the child / young person should sit in the vehicle (front / rear etc.) and the level of staff supervision required (e.g. 1:1, 2:1 etc.) Children should not sit behind, or be able to distract the driver;
   2. The appropriateness (or otherwise) of the use of RPI in a vehicle. If it is deemed likely that behaviour requiring such interventions will occur then, in the first instance, the journey should be postponed or alternative arrangements made. If an unpredicted event occurs requiring the use of RPI then the safety of the occupants of the car and other road users must be a priority. The vehicle should be stopped immediately it is safe to do so. Staff will then need to undertake a dynamic risk assessment of the appropriate course of action. This will be influenced by factors such as location, nature of behaviour displayed, levels of support available etc.
   3. Ensuring that no items which could be used as weapons are available to the child. These could include tools, aerosols, pens etc; If it is suspected that the child / young person has such items and refuses to pass them onto staff, or if the risk of challenging the child about this is deemed too high, then the journey should be postponed or alternative arrangements made;
   4. The procedure for arrival at the destination. This should consider: will more staff be needed? Is a room available? Is it easy to get the car close to the destination, and is it possible to avoid other children becoming involved?
   5. If the potential risks cannot be managed safely, the activity must not go ahead; or must cease and, if necessary, the Police be called to assist.

This list is not exhaustive and any other factors relevant to the specific task should be included in the risk assessment.

All Company vehicles that are used for transporting children must be smoke free and must show the international 'No Smoking' symbol. It is the legal responsibility of anyone who drives, manages or is responsible for order and safety on a vehicle, to prevent people from smoking. See also Rules about tobacco, e-cigarettes and smoking: 1 October 2015.