Pupil shenanigans mean wheels on the bus no longer going round

Thursday 05 May 2022

Alderney’s school bus service has been cancelled because of the poor behaviour of some of the students.

The contract for the school bus sits with the States of Alderney and the service is run by A1 taxis.

The firm uses a minibus to take children aged four to 11 to and from St Anne’s School.

The service has now been cancelled and, as of yesterday (Wednesday 4 May), parents are being asked to make alternative arrangements.

“The decision to withdraw this service is based on the on-going poor behaviour of some of the children travelling on the bus which is not only a cause for concern but heightening the potential for harm going forward in terms of an accident,” Headteacher of St. Anne's School, Martin Winward, said.

“Bearing in mind that this is not a service provided by school and despite working closely with both A1 taxis and The States of Alderney, the school cannot in good conscience support this service whilst risks to pupils’ safety are repeatedly of concern.”

Pictured: “As in times of covid, we anticipate that families will look to support each other in sharing of lifts for drop off and pick-ups."

Mr Winward said the senior leadership team at the school is open to discussions as to how the service can be improved.

“Safeguarding of children and young people is the number one priority and, therefore, our conscious endorsement of on-going concerns raised by parents would be inadequate,” he said.

“The school has recently written to parents outlining the high expectations required when travelling to and from school using this service.

"Behaviour of children at St. Anne’s School is exemplary and therefore the concerns raised very much rest with parents.”

Mr Winward said the 'School Bus Contract' will be revisited again in the next few weeks.