Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to ensure the adequacy of (a) safety and (b) provision of school transport when the schools reopen after the lockdown.

Local authorities continue to be required to provide free home to school transport for eligible pupils that are able to attend school. They should work with schools, bus companies and other transport operators to put in place arrangements which fit local circumstances and minimise the risk of transmission. This should include making sure transport operators follow hygiene rules. They should refer to the Department for Transport’s guidance for transport operators and the public here: www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-transport-and-travel-guidance#walking,-cycling,-driving-and-travelling-by-public-transport.

The phased wider opening of schools will initially limit the number of children travelling home on school transport. Where transport capacity allows, local authorities could consider substituting smaller vehicles with larger ones, or running two vehicles rather than one, to reduce the number of passengers per vehicle and help passengers keep their distance. Further information is available in the Department for Education’s guidance on implementing protective measures: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings.

We are working closely with local authorities to help ensure they can put in place arrangements to suit their local area.