Understanding Our Students

We recognise that students may experience a range of social, emotional and mental health needs which can present themselves in many ways. These may include students displaying challenging, disruptive or stress-related behaviours. These behaviours may also reflect underlying social interaction difficulties, sensory or medical needs or clinically diagnosed (including students awaiting assessment/diagnosis) needs such as attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, foetal alcohol disorder or attachment difficulties. We will always endeavour to understand behaviour, support emotional wellbeing and make reasonable adjustments to the transport we provide to support the student using a variety of strategies developed with key adults within the students’ life (transport staff, school staff, family and professionals) in order to best meet their needs. 

We also recognise the needs of students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and follow the policies and procedures associated with supporting these students, including but not limited to, the SEND code of practice, Equal Opportunities and Disability Act. Recognising that ‘flexible consistency’ allows for personalisation and reasonable adjustments, to apply this policy with discretion through knowledge of the student’s context. We understand that the communicating behaviour(s) most likely comes from a place of stress which may come from anxiety or fear. We have a duty to strive to help students to access transport in an environment that meets their needs whilst also considering the safety of those around them and the needs of the service.