COVID-19 Guidance -
Haberdashers' Monmouth Schools

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Whilst the risk surrounding the current pandemic situation is still apparent, as the Government has highlighted, it is important for life to resemble some normality. A factor of life that we are excited to see return is students attending school for the Autumn term. We want you to feel excited too and would like to share some procedures that have been introduced for operating transport for students, to and from Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools.

The current, following procedures are based on guidelines currently published by the UK Government and Public Health England. We have also paid close attention to information published to schools by Welsh Government and advice from Public Health Wales. They are also based on risk and controls as highlighted by our COVID-19 Coronavirus Risk Assessments.

This guidance applies to the following routes operated by Grindles Coaches Ltd:

Bus 11 - Lydney to Monmouth

It has been taken into account that these routes are dedicated for students, not travelling with the general public and tend to be consistent.

This guidance will be regularly reviewed in accordance with information published by the UK Government, Welsh Government, Public Health England and Public Health Wales and will be enforced for as long as deemed relevant.

Cleaning

Our coach cleaning procedure has been enhanced to include the disinfecting of the following; handrails, hand grabs, armrests and seat belt buckles between each journey. Floors, glass surfaces, seat back tables, driver controls and dashboard will be cleaned daily.

Driver/Coach

During the time that this guidance applies we aim to use the same coach and driver on each route, every day where reasonably practicable. However, due to operational circumstances this may not always be possible.

Face Coverings

As of 15th June 2020 (England) and 27th July 2020 (Wales) it became mandatory for passengers of public transport to wear a face covering throughout their journey. This includes children aged 11 and over, therefore, we strongly advise that students apply a face covering before entering the coach. Students under the age of 11 are not required to wear a face covering. Obviously we are mindful of people that are exempt from wearing a face covering and respect their wish not to wear one. However, we do recommend that students that are exempt carry an exemption card or badge. These can be downloaded from:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

As per guidance published by the Department for Transport, ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators’, it is advised that transport workers are not required to wear a face covering. Whilst recognising this, it is possible that the driver may not be wearing a face covering. However, we do recommend that driver’s at least wear a covering whilst picking students up, and can remove once pick-ups are completed and journey to school commences.

Hand Washing/Sanitiser

As per the standard advice, we encourage more frequent hand-washing than usual. Upon boarding the coach hand sanitiser will be available for students use and ask that this is used by every student each time they board and disembark. We are happy for students to use their own if preferred.

‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill, it’

We would like to promote good respiratory hygiene by reinforcing the above message. We would encourage students’ to carry tissues and dispose of them appropriately.

Bus Stop

Whilst waiting for the coach to arrive we advise to maintain social distancing rules and give peers space if they require it. Due to the confined nature of the entrance/driver area of a coach the driver may want to disembark the vehicle before students board. Please ensure that once the coach arrives that enough space is available for the driver to disembark safely.

Seating Arrangements

Social Distancing

It has been recognised that social distancing imposes a significant reduction in available transport capacity. Within the Welsh Government’s advice to schools on reopening, where transport is concerned, social distancing should be implemented wherever capacity allows. Due to the nature of the vehicle and quantity of students requiring travel, unfortunately this would not be 100% possible; however, we are confident this is outweighed by the other protective measures that have been put in place, as agreed by Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools.

Bubbles

It is our intention that students will sit within the bubbles that they will adopt whilst in school. It is also recommended, where possible, that students try and occupy the same seat on each journey. Our driver’s will not be aware of the year groups, or bubbles that the student is in, therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to sit in their bubble. It may be the case, where every seat has to be occupied, that some students may be sat next to another student from another bubble.

Boarding

Once students have alighted the coach, wearing a face covering and having used hand sanitiser we recommend that students sit in the most-rear available seat in their designated bubble. Preferably, a seat next to a window, until they are all occupied, then filling aisle side seats. It is intended that this reduces contact on the coach with students that are not in each other's bubbles as much as reasonably possible.

Disembarking

When the coach has arrived at school and safely comes to a stop, the driver will open the door and disembark the vehicle. Once the driver has done this, students may start to disembark the vehicle, row by row, ensuring that nobody is in front of them before proceeding.

Boarding to Return

As per the guidelines for the outward journey to school, these also apply for the return journey home. Students are urged to board the coach sensibly, whilst distancing themselves, using hand sanitiser and wearing a face covering. Students are encouraged to occupy the same seat as they did on the journey to school.

COVID-19 Symptoms

If any student required to travel are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 they are requested not to travel. Symptoms include; a high temperature, a new continuous cough and loss of smell/taste. Similarly if any family member in students' households are self-isolating due to displaying symptoms we also request students not to travel.

Likewise, any driver that reports to work displaying any of the above symptoms will be requested to return home and self-isolate in accordance with current guidance at the time.

Conclusion

It is hoped that the guidelines above are concise and clear, and that they represent how important the health and safety of our customers and staff is.

We have to stress, and as per published guidance, that drivers’ are not expected to police students’ behaviour; including seating arrangements etc - their role is to focus on driving the vehicle safely. Therefore, it is expected for students to follow the guidelines as much as reasonably practicable to ensure the safe travel for everybody concerned. Explicit failure to do so may result in contact with school and potential refusal to travel.

We welcome any feedback or suggestions as well as queries and questions regarding the above guidelines. Please contact us on 01594 822110 or admin@grindlescoaches.co.uk if you wish to discuss.