Sanctions/Consequences

Consequences should always keep the student safe. They can be proactive based on lessons learnt from previous incidents. Consequences can be applied to protect the relationships with staff. Where a consequence needs to be applied staff should follow the SEND Transport Behaviour Procedure Chart. (See Appendix 1.) Staff should record all behaviour incidents that are either unique or repeated.

behaviours may warrant a combination of consequences
a sanction will only be applied after investigation of an incident
where a sanction has been applied parents / carers have access to an appropriate form of review
all long-term sanctions which include removal of transport should be subject to regular review
sanctions should be fair and appropriate to the seriousness of the incident(s) / behaviour(s) which led to their application
the procedure by which a sanction is applied should ensure that the student is informed by the school about the reasons for it; the parent / carer should also be informed by a Transport Assistant
the SEND Transport Officer/Senior Transport Assistant must approve all cases where transport is to be removed
the most serious sanctions will not be applied until all other sanctions have been tried and have demonstrably failed, unless the incident is so serious that it would be appropriate to apply a more serious sanction immediately*
where a student’s behaviour on transport is causing concern, he / she will be advised of the consequences of a failure to improve behaviour by the school; the parent / carer should also be kept informed by the school
there should be the highest possible degree of predictability in the application of sanctions, and those students who breach their responsibilities should be clearly aware of the consequences of such breaches.
It is anticipated that each school may wish to incorporate behaviour on transport into its behaviour policy remit; the Transport Team will liaise closely with school to support this.
the Transport Officer will place a high priority on publicising to all partners, clearly and accessibly, their relevant entitlements and responsibilities, and outline to them the consequences of failures to comply with their responsibilities
in the most serious of cases, transport privileges will be withdrawn on a permanent basis and a Personal Travel Budget will be available.

Immediate removal of transport privileges will be implemented if a student is:

For a major first offence that is in serious breach of the behaviour policy. Appropriate use of suspension can be used to allow staff time to make investigate and make necessary adjustments to identify and meet the needs of the student going forward. For example, to complete risk assessments or amend travel plans or staffing to meet the needs of the student and the service.

When considering whether to exclude any student from transport, the LA will require written statements from the driver/escort in support of alleged unacceptable behaviour. Consultation will also be made to the Head Teacher and any other bodies that the LA considers relevant.

Where allowing a student to remain on transport would be seriously detrimental to the welfare and safety of other students, staff or of the student.

Following a series of breaches of the SEND Transport behaviour policy, and after an exhaustive range of strategies deployed to resolve the student’s disciplinary problems.

Factors which need to be considered in Applying Sanctions

the seriousness of the incident / behaviour, and its impact on others
the frequency of such incidents / behaviours by the student.
age and understanding of the student
any Special Educational Needs the student may have
the degree of peer or other pressure
whether the incident / behaviour was perpetrated alone, or as a part of a group
the intention of the student
the student's emotional state
the student's behavioural history on school transport
the circumstances preceding the incident
the impact of the behaviour on others and / or property
the interventions / strategies used by the school and / or others to manage / change the student’s behaviour.