SEND Transport Behaviour Policy

May 2025 (review date July 2026)

This policy can also be viewed and downloaded as a Word document by clicking the link below:

We are fully committed to providing and maintaining safe home to school and school to home transport arrangements for students in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

At the heart of this policy is a commitment to ensure that transport for students in Newcastle is as safe and secure as is possible, and that the policy operates to the advantage of all the students who are eligible to use the SEND Transport Service to their school or college.

We are also mindful of our responsibilities towards the community, other road users, bystanders, where transport is shared and the general public. 

The policy is underpinned by children, parents, operators, drivers, passenger assistants, school staff and the Local Authority (LA) working in partnership. All students who have a right to school transport should be able to travel in a safe, secure and non-oppressive environment. To ensure this is achieved it is imperative for all to be aware of their roles, rights and responsibilities and be fully committed to these.

We give high priority to clear communication systems and positive partnerships with parents/carers. These partnerships are crucial in promoting and maintaining high standards of behaviour. A positive partnership with parents/carers is essential to build trust and to develop a common effective approach to embedding behaviour expectations and strategies.

We understand our schools vary in their demographics, economic circumstances, staff composition, histories, premises and locations but we are committed to providing an equal service to all.

We promote non-acceptance of aggressive behaviours (violence, harassment, physical or verbal abuse, insolence or bullying). We always have an expectation of good behaviour, at all times.

Behaviour on transport is everyone’s responsibility, all staff, and all students have an integral role to play in ensuring the journey is a happy and safe place to be. Student’s positive behaviour should be praised, and unacceptable behaviour always challenged and recorded. 

We have taken consideration of the DfE Mental Health and Behaviour in Schools March 2015 and the Green Paper ‘Transforming Children and Young People’s Mental Health Provision.’ We will also uphold the principles in the SEND Code of Practice for SEND children.

Click here to return to our SEND Home to School Transport page on our SEND Local Offer.