On transportation of children or young people on behalf of a church activity to or from the church, or off-site for non-routine activities, the following guidelines must be adhered to:
-
Parental/carer consent forms should be completed and all journeys should be carried out with the knowledge of the Children/Youth Team Leaders or the church Safeguarding Officers. This can be included as part of Non-Routine Activity Consent forms.
-
Risk Assessments must include transportation considerations for any group/activity where transportation of children/young people takes place.
-
Consideration must be given to whether a leader can transport a child/young person in their private car without an additional adult. This is linked to the minimum ratios in the Safeguarding Policy – “Where activities take place in an enclosed room or out of sight/hearing of any other responsible adult, 2 Leaders are a minimum requirement.”
-
In a circumstance where this is not possible, a Lone Driver Parental Consent Form should be completed on this basis (see below), and stored securely, and the child/youth should travel in the rear seat of the vehicle. Competency of the driver in the event of a breakdown and suitable emergency contact and contingency plans should be ensured.
-
Consideration should be given to dropping off the least vulnerable child/young person last and plan routes accordingly.
-
Consideration should be given to which children/young people can travel together to ensure safe travel e.g. with regards to behaviour, dynamics and any additional needs or travel sickness.
-
At collection or dropping off points do not leave a young person on their own and always ensure that an appropriate adult is present to receive the young person.
-
Drivers of vehicles transporting young people on behalf of the church should have had a full driving licence for at least two years with no endorsements or points.
-
Drivers of private vehicles are responsible for ensuring their insurance covers volunteer driving (Check ABI guide for volunteer driving) and that the vehicle is in roadworthy condition and suitable for purpose:
-
All seatbelts must be in good working condition and used as required by law.
-
When possible, appropriate child car or booster seats are required for children under 12, or less than 135cm tall, whichever comes first. (There are exceptions – click here)
Note: If parents/carers transport each other’s children to and from church activities and events, that is a private arrangement amongst themselves and does not fall under church activities or leader responsibilities. This may encompass parents who happen to be leaders at the activity.
Transportation by Lone Driver
Parental Consent Form
Name of Parent/Carer:
"I give permission, due to special circumstances, for the leader(s) named below to provide transport
to (name of activity)
for (name of child)
without another leader present in the vehicle."
Names of leaders:
I have been assured that the named leaders are fully qualified and insured to drive, have suitable safety equipment available and will transport my child in the rear seat.
I have contact information for the named leaders in case of emergency.
I will ensure that a responsible adult will be present at pick-up and drop-off times.