10 September 2025:
Update to the Driving for Work Guidance document (link embedded), regarding the use of staff vehicles when carrying pupil / student passengers. It is imperative that you read the new information about insurance requirements so that all staff have appropriate cover.
28 November 2022: Important information regarding licences and MIDAS training for school minibus drivers. Please read this article.
Below are a couple of useful documents which outline the guidance for schools who use minibuses and who have staff driving for work.
Minibus Safety
When a school use a minibus which is driven by a staff member or volunteer, there are a lot of safety measures you need to be aware of. Here’s a list of useful guidance from various sources:
Minibus safety from RoSPA – The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) have guidance for driving larger vehicles including minibuses. On their page, you can find a Minibus pre-drive safety checklist, information on first aid kits in the vehicle, and a useful glossary.
Safety of school minibuses – guidance from the National Education Union.
If you are at all concerned about Insurance details, please contact the Insurance Team directly: [email protected]. For any other questions, please email [email protected] – SHaW Advisor for Schools.
Guidance from Suffolk on Board
Suffolk on Board is a website from Suffolk Passenger Transport. They also have really useful guidance that is relevant for schools on their Guidance, Documents and FAQ’s for Bus travel. The guidance include:
- Driving on School Premises
- School Staff Directing Travel
- Wheelchair Users
- Safe Vehicles
Transport guidance from the Outdoor Education Advisers’ Panel (OEAP)
The Outdoor Education Advisers’ Panel provides guidance school trips and learning outside the classroom. They have helpful guidance on transporting children, including about using minibuses; private cars; seat belts and child restraint; coach hiring, and more.
Driving for Work
The Schools’ Driving for Work Guidance is for school staff and volunteers both in relation to driving on your own for work as well as transporting children and young people. It has information about car and licence checks, breakdowns, legalities as well as links to other related information.
There is also comprehensive guidance about insurance for when you use your own car for work, so please read it carefully.