Advice for families on school transport as back to school preparations begin

 
Young people are being encouraged to walk, cycle or scoot to school if they live a short distance (two miles or less) from their school next week.
 
Schools are preparing to welcome pupils again and where possible young people are being encouraged to use the green alternatives to arrive at the school gates. 
 
For those car sharing with someone outside of their support bubble or family, they are being advised they should share with the same people each time, open the windows for ventilation and wear a face covering unless they are under 11 or they are exempt.
 
Pupils who use public transport and are aged over 11 are being reminded to wear a face covering while travelling. Where needed Wiltshire Council is adding on additional buses to ensure social distancing can be maintained. They will be advising pupils via schools of these plans.
 
It is recognised that social distancing can be difficult to maintain on dedicated school transport.  Therefore, alongside other local authorities, we are asking pupils who use dedicated home to school transport such as a school bus, minibus or taxi arranged by Wiltshire Council, that where they can, they should wear a face covering if they are over 11 years old.  There is no requirement for primary aged pupils or children who are exempt to wear one, although it is strongly recommended.
 
Other bus users are also being asked to consider taking their bus journey after 9am to help maintain the social distancing on the public buses.
 
Cllr Bridget Wayman, Cabinet Member for Transport said: As we near the end of the summer break families are preparing to return to school. This year is going to feel different and we provided a number of helpful booklets and advice which we hope families will find useful.
 
"We have put advice and guidance on our website for those pupils using dedicated school buses and for those who use public transport. It is difficult to predict how many school pupils will use public transport at this stage but the council has worked hard to ensure there is enough transportation available and it will be monitored as the days go forward.
 
Students using public transport, should continue to follow government guidelines to ensure they can travel safely on the network.

• Plan their journey in advance
• Allow more time to get to their school or college. 
• Wear a face covering for the entirety of their journey if they are over 11 years old and are not exempt, wash or sanitise their hands regularly and social distance where possible. 

All pupils who are entitled to bus passes for dedicated school transport should receive them by this weekend. If they haven't arrived they can email educationtransport@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window)