No child will be left behind without school bus mask

Wednesday 16 September 2020

Children without masks won't initially be stopped from boarding school buses - but they do risk their school and parents getting involved, to make sure they have one next time.

LibertyBus have said that children will initially still be allowed on buses without a mask, but they would be issuing a warning to schools for persistent offenders. Schools will then be asked to chase the issue up with families.

The clarification comes following this week’s announcement that masks would be a requirement for children over 11 on school buses from Monday 21 September.

“LibertyBus have assured the Government that no child will be left behind because they haven’t got a mask with them," a Government spokesperson said.

“If after the first two weeks, a student gets on the bus without a mask and is unable to purchase one from the driver, the driver will allow the child to carry on their journey but will take their name and inform the school. If this is persistent, the school will then follow up with the child’s parents to make sure they have a mask in order to get to and from school.”

Pictured: From 21 September, school buses will require children over 11 to wear masks. 

LibertyBus says that, during the first two weeks, drivers will be offering face masks for free.

 "From Monday 21 September to Monday 5 October there will be a grace period. During this time any child that doesn‘t have the money to pay for a face mask will be given a disposable face mask for free by the bus drivers.”

However, arrangements will have to be made after this point.

In a Q&A document shared with parents, LibertyBus says that, if a child cannot afford a mask or their parents don't provide them, "each school will be given a supply of disposable masks by CYPES for this purpose."

"If they are aware or are alerted to the fact that the child does not have access to a mask of the funds to purchase them, then the school can tactfully deal with the situation."