School Transport Safety Policy
Sydney Charter Bus Pty Ltd | Trading as Sydney Charter Bus Australia
| Issued by | Sydney Charter Bus Pty Ltd (trading as Sydney Charter Bus Australia) | ABN: 44 134 888 912 |
| Accreditation | NSW Accreditation No. 39461 — NSW Bus Operator Accreditation Scheme (BOAS) |
| Applies to | All school charter services — excursions, camps, sporting transfers — public and private schools |
| Legislative framework | BOAS | HVNL | Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) | Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 (NSW) |
| Review | Reviewed regularly in accordance with BOAS requirements, SMS continuous improvement processes and legislative updates |
1. Purpose
This School Transport Safety Policy establishes the mandatory safety, compliance, and operational requirements for the transportation of school students. It ensures alignment with:
| ◆ | NSW Bus Operator Accreditation Scheme (BOAS) |
| ◆ | Child Safe Standards and Duty of Care obligations |
| ◆ | Road transport and heavy vehicle legislation in New South Wales |
| ◆ | Company Safety Management System (SMS) |
The policy is designed to minimise risk, ensure child safety, and provide clear expectations for clients, schools, drivers, and staff.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
| All school charter services (public and private schools) |
| School excursions, camps, and sporting transfers |
| Drivers, subcontractors, and company personnel |
| Teachers, coordinators, and accompanying adults |
3. Legal & Compliance Framework
Sydney Charter Bus Pty Ltd operates under:
| ◆ | NSW Bus Operator Accreditation Scheme (BOAS) |
| ◆ | Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) |
| ◆ | Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) |
| ◆ | Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 (NSW) |
All operations must comply with these legislative requirements and internal Safety Management System controls.
4. Driver Requirements & Child Safety Compliance
4.1 Working With Children Check (WWCC)
| ✓ | All drivers engaged in school transport must hold a valid NSW Working With Children Check (WWCC) where required under legislation |
| ✓ | WWCC verification is conducted prior to engagement and monitored for currency |
| ✓ | Records are maintained within the company’s compliance register |
4.2 Driver Accreditation & Competency
All drivers must:
| ✓ | Hold a valid NSW Driver Authority |
| ✓ | Hold the appropriate Heavy Vehicle Licence (LR/MR/HR/HC as applicable) |
| ✓ | Meet medical fitness standards |
| ✓ | Be trained in passenger safety, emergency response, child safety awareness, and behaviour management protocols |
4.3 Behavioural Expectations
Drivers must:
| ✓ | Maintain professional boundaries with all students at all times |
| ✗ | Avoid physical contact unless required in an emergency |
| ✗ | Not engage in inappropriate conversation or conduct |
| ✓ | Immediately report any child safety concerns to management |
5. Duty of Care & Supervision Responsibilities
5.1 School / Teacher Responsibility
The school or organising body retains primary duty of care and supervision of students at all times. A responsible adult (teacher or authorised representative) must be present:
| ✓ | During boarding and disembarking |
| ✓ | Throughout the journey |
5.2 Driver Responsibility
Drivers are responsible for:
| ✓ | Safe operation of the vehicle |
| ✓ | Ensuring passengers are seated where practicable |
| ✓ | Enforcing basic onboard safety requirements |
| ✓ | Refusing unsafe instructions or behaviour that may compromise safety |
Drivers are not responsible for direct supervision of students or behavioural discipline beyond safety intervention.
6. Passenger Safety Requirements
6.1 Seating & Movement
| ✓ | Students must remain seated while the vehicle is in motion |
| ✗ | Aisles, doorways, and emergency exits must remain clear |
| ✗ | Standing is strictly prohibited unless permitted by law and vehicle design |
6.2 Seatbelts
| ✓ | Where fitted, seatbelts must be worn at all times |
| ✓ | Schools and supervising staff are responsible for enforcement |
6.3 Boarding & Disembarking
| ✓ | Must occur in a safe, controlled manner under supervision |
| ✓ | Only at safe, lawful locations |
| ✗ | Students must not cross roads without supervision |
7. Vehicle Safety Standards
All vehicles used for school transport:
| ✓ | Are maintained in accordance with BOAS and SMS requirements |
| ✓ | Undergo regular servicing and safety inspections (including HVIS where applicable) |
| ✓ | Are fitted with fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and first aid kits |
| ✓ | Meet Australian Design Rules (ADR) for passenger transport |
8. Fatigue Management
Drivers operate under strict fatigue management policies aligned with the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and the Company’s Fatigue Management Policy. Key principles:
| ✓ | Drivers must be fit for duty and adequately rested before commencing any school service |
| ✓ | Maximum work and minimum rest periods are enforced at all times |
| ✓ | School itineraries must allow for legal driving hours and mandatory rest breaks |
9. Emergency Management
Drivers are trained to respond to:
| Vehicle breakdowns |
| Accidents or collisions |
| Medical emergencies |
| Evacuations |
In the event of an emergency:
| ✓ | The driver will take control of the situation |
| ✓ | Supervising teachers must assist with student management |
| ✓ | Emergency services will be contacted where required |
10 & 11. Behaviour Management & Prohibited Activities
10. Behaviour Management
Students must behave in a safe and respectful manner. Unsafe behaviour may result in:
| ! | The driver stopping the vehicle |
| ! | Notification to supervising staff |
| ! | Termination of transport if safety is compromised |
Sydney Charter Bus Pty Ltd reserves the right to refuse or discontinue service where safety risks arise.
11. Prohibited Activities
The following are strictly prohibited onboard:
| ✗ | Standing or moving while vehicle is in motion |
| ✗ | Interfering with driver operation |
| ✗ | Throwing objects |
| ✗ | Use of alcohol, drugs, or prohibited substances |
| ✗ | Bullying, harassment, or unsafe conduct |
12. Incident Reporting
All incidents involving safety breaches, injuries, behavioural issues, or near misses must be:
| ✓ | Reported immediately to company management |
| ✓ | Recorded in accordance with SMS incident reporting procedures |
13. Client Responsibilities — Schools & Organisers
Clients must:
| ✓ | Provide accurate passenger numbers |
| ✓ | Ensure adequate supervision ratios at all times |
| ✓ | Communicate any special needs or risks prior to travel |
| ✓ | Ensure compliance with all safety directions issued by the driver or operator |
Failure to meet these requirements may result in service refusal.
14 & 15. Accessibility & Policy Enforcement
14. Accessibility & Special Needs
| ✓ | Collapsible mobility aids (e.g. wheelchairs, walkers) may be transported if safely stowed |
| ✓ | Passengers must be able to board and disembark independently unless prior arrangements are made |
| ✗ | No lifting of passengers by drivers is permitted due to WHS risks |
15. Policy Enforcement
Non-compliance with this policy may result in:
| ! | Suspension or termination of services |
| ! | Reporting to regulatory authorities where required |
| ! | Review under contractual terms and conditions |
🚫 Policy Compliance Notice
This policy forms part of the agreement between the client and Sydney Charter Bus Pty Ltd upon confirmation of any school transport booking. Sydney Charter Bus Australia reserves the right to amend this policy at any time in accordance with changes to applicable legislation, BOAS requirements, or operational standards. The current version is always published at www.sydneycharterbus.com.au/company-policies.
📞 1300 468 199 | 📱 0413 182 999 | ✉ [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday–Friday 9:30am–4:30pm | Weekends 12:00pm–2:00pm | Public Holidays: Operational — Office Closed