School trip transport carries a level of responsibility that goes beyond any other type of group hire. You are transporting children, and the duty of care that entails is absolute. Here is what every school should verify before confirming a booking.

Operator Licensing

Any operator carrying passengers for hire or reward in the UK must hold an Operator's Licence issued by the Traffic Commissioner. Ask to see it. A reputable operator will provide this without hesitation. If there is any reluctance, walk away.

Driver Checks

All drivers working with children should hold an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate. This is not optional — it is a basic safeguard. Ask for confirmation that all drivers assigned to school work are DBS-checked and that certificates are current (they should be renewed every three years at minimum).

Vehicle Standards

Coaches used for school transport should meet current MOT standards and be subject to regular preventative maintenance. Ask about the operator's maintenance schedule and whether vehicles are inspected before each journey. The DVSA's Earned Recognition scheme is a useful indicator of operators who take compliance seriously.

Seatbelts

Since 2001, all new coaches must be fitted with seatbelts, and since 2013 their use has been compulsory for passengers under 16. Verify that the vehicle you are booking has functioning seatbelts at every seat.

Risk Assessment

Many local authorities and school policies require a risk assessment for any off-site activity, including transport. A good operator will be able to provide documentation to support this process — route information, vehicle specifications, driver credentials and emergency contact procedures.

Communication on the Day

Ensure you have a direct number for the driver and a backup number for the operator's operations team. Delays happen; what matters is how quickly and clearly they are communicated.