As part of our collaboration with Europa School and following a positive community spirit, the details below for usage of the Buses are not intended to be additional Rules of Conduct, but we will require users to abide by them to align with the School’s plans to open-up during the current situation. Whilst we appreciate these cannot be monitored or imposed (especially with younger children), we feel they are all sensible approaches to maintain the wellbeing of all.
BEST PRACTICES
- Bus Stops
– Users should only use their requested stop to board and disembark.
– Arrive no more than 5 minutes in advance and stand at least 1m apart.
– Prior to arrival either ensure hands have been washed (and possibly in addition wear something like thin bicycle gloves as children will no doubt be placing their hands on common areas in the bus)
– Wear a face covering (mask or suitable face covering over mouth and nose) at the Bus stop and continue through-out the journey. This is a specific best practice request by the School given that nearly 50 children will be on the buses.
2. Bus Journey
– (Users should board and use the seating available closest to the back of the bus first. The idea being that those at the same stop will sit in close proximity to each other – some will no doubt be family members anyway).
Those at the first stop will sit at the back and thereafter as others board seats should fill up moving forward to the front. This will help maintain potential “bubbles”.
This is where we hope children will respect others and the best practices. It is only a 30minute ride and they will have plenty of time to catch up with friends at school.
– Continue to wear face coverings during journey to school
– (No eating on the bus at all – for obvious reasons re face coverings).
– (No use of handheld devices that could be shared – again obvious reasons).
Please note that our buses do not have windows that can be open, but we will ask the bus company to open the ceiling ports for ventilation.
3. Disembarking the bus at School
– On arriving at school, children at the front of the bus should get off first (as you would be done on an airplane) and so on.
– The School will be providing hand gel / soap at the School bus-bay and children will be required to wash their hands again prior to being directed into class/year bubbles at the School.
– We understand, younger aged children will be directed to their respective “bubble” areas (classroom or specified play area).
4. Returning Home by bus
– All aspects in point one and two above will apply.
(If children must use a handheld device to communicate with parents about bus locations, please ensure they do not share their device with others).
– (Children should sit closest to the front if they are going to be getting off at the first stops and at the back if they will be getting off near the end of the journey).
Neither the bus drivers nor our volunteer monitors will be asked to take action on the above, it really is down to parents to explain the value and importance of these Best Practices.
We understand that there will be a wider School communication being sent closer to the start of term.