Guidance for Transporting children and young people
It is important to state, at the outset, that transporting a child should be primarily the responsibility of a parent and that the need for anyone, other than a parent, to take a child or young person anywhere should be kept to a minimum. However when such a need arises it is wise to consider several issues.
In accordance with good practice it is essential for all church activities to always have a list of participating children, together with their home and parents' contact details. With these details a signed consent form should be provided, by the parents, indicating what the transport arrangements are for their child getting to and from the activity. Parents should indicate what the emergency arrangements will be if they cannot collect their child. If children are to be transported by others, then the written consent and agreement of the parents should be obtained.
If group leaders or volunteer drivers are taking children or young people in their own cars with such consent then the following should be in place:
- Ideally there should always be another person aged 18 or over in the vehicle. There may be occasions when, after careful consideration, it is decided that - to ensure the safety or well-being of a child or young person - transport needs to be provided without another adult being present. Such occasions should be kept to a minimum and the reasons for providing the transport without another adult being present should be recorded.
- If small children are being transported, then an approved child restraint should be used, appropriate to the child's weight and size, in accordance with the Highway Code. Everyone else should wear seat belts
- All drivers must be qualified to drive the type of vehicle (car, minibus, etc) being used and hold an appropriate licence. The vehicle must be taxed and insured and drivers should check that the insurance policy covers those being transported.
- If, during a journey, there are any incidents or conversations which give rise to concerns about a child or young person, the adults present should note these, write them down and report them to the person in charge of the activity.
Elaine Rose
Diocesan Child Protection Adviser
Revised December 2005
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