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Wiltshire

Advice for families on school transport as back to school preparations begin

Young people are being encouraged to walk, cycle or scoot to school if they live a short distance (two miles or less) from their school next week.

Schools are preparing to welcome pupils again and where possible young people are being encouraged to use the green alternatives to arrive at the school gates.

For those car sharing with someone outside of their support bubble or family, they are being advised they should share with the same people each time, open the windows for ventilation and wear a face covering unless they are under 11 or they are exempt.

Pupils who use public transport and are aged over 11 are being reminded to wear a face covering while travelling. Where needed Wiltshire Council is adding on additional buses to ensure social distancing can be maintained. They will be advising pupils via schools of these plans.

It is recognised that social distancing can be difficult to maintain on dedicated school transport.  Therefore, alongside other local authorities, we are asking pupils who use dedicated home to school transport such as a school bus, minibus or taxi arranged by Wiltshire Council, that where they can, they should wear a face covering if they are over 11 years old.  There is no requirement for primary aged pupils or children who are exempt to wear one, although it is strongly recommended.

Other bus users are also being asked to consider taking their bus journey after 9am to help maintain the social distancing on the public buses.

Cllr Bridget Wayman, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “As we near the end of the summer break families are preparing to return to school. This year is going to feel different and we have provided a number of helpful booklets and advice which we hope families will find useful.

“We have put advice and guidance on our website for those pupils using dedicated school buses and for those who use public transport. It is difficult to predict how many school pupils will use public transport at this stage but the council has worked hard to ensure there is enough transportation available and it will be monitored as the days go forward.”

Students using public transport, should continue to follow government guidelines to ensure they can travel safely on the network. This includes planning their journey in advance and allowing more time to get to their school or college. They should also wash or sanitise their hands regularly and social distance where possible.

All pupils who are entitled to bus passes for dedicated school transport should receive them by this weekend. If they haven’t arrived at that point they can email [email protected].

You can find FAQs and further detail in our school transport booklets online

By Jon Hubbard

Cllr Jon Hubbard is the Wiltshire and Town councillor for Melksham South. First elected in 2009 he now sits as an independent. Jon is very active in the local community and actively works across the town and wider community. He helped create and continues to Chair both Young Melksham, who provide youth services in the town, and Age Friendly Melksham, who work to try and prevent social isolation for people of all ages. On Wiltshire Council Jon currently chairs the Children's Select Committee and is also Chair of the Adoption West Scrutiny Panel.