Schools, education and childcare Travel assistance for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

Travel Assistants and escorts

Roles and responsibilities of a travel assistant / escort

Travel assistants are provided on routes to care for the safety, comfort and well being of passengers on journeys. They will take responsibility for your child from the designated handover point to a safe handover at school.

They are required to manage the day-to-day supervision of your child whilst in transit and are also to report any incidents of misbehaviour, breaches of health and safety or other issues which may arise during assistance with travel. In conjunction with the driver, travel assistants will ensure your child is seated securely and comfortably for the journey.

All Travel Coordination Unit contracts employing external operators require them to be appropriately licensed according to the type of vehicle being used.

What training is provided for escorts?

A training package has been developed to ensure your child is cared for which covers, disability awareness, lifting and handling, emergency first aid, fire and evacuation, positive handling and physical restraint, basic sign language and customer care. Where more intensive training is required for specific medical intervention this is provided in conjunction with the Health Authority.

Police checks

All travel assistants and drivers are vetted to an enhanced disclosure level through the Criminal Records Bureau. Once vetted, an identity badge is issued by the Council which must be renewed every three years. All staff are required to carry their identity cards whilst on duty.

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