Risk Assessment – SEND Minibus Transport 

Operator: Charlie Browns Buses
Client: BCP Council
Activity: Transportation of SEND children by minibus
Persons at Risk: SEND children, drivers, passenger assistants (PAs), other road users

Identified Risks & Control Measures
• Boarding and alighting incidents
Risk: Falls, absconding, traffic interaction, parking
Controls:
• Use of agreed safe pick-up and drop-off points, drop as close to the front door regardless of restrictions. (unable to get the required support from BCP at this time - blue badge applied for)
• Supervision by trained PA where specified by BCP Council
• Children remain seated until vehicle is secured

Passenger behaviour and supervision
Risk: Driver distraction, injury, distress
Controls:
• PAs provided in line with individual transport plans
• Staff trained in SEND awareness and behaviour management
• Individual risk assessments followed for known behaviours by BCP.

Seatbelts and specialist equipment
Risk: Injury in transit or during emergency braking
Controls:
• All passengers secured with suitable restraints/Seatbelts.
• Drivers/PAs trained in correct use of equipment

Medical, sensory, or emergency needs
Risk: Medical episode, anxiety, escalation
Controls:
• Drivers and PAs briefed on child-specific needs by BCP
• Emergency contact details and care information carried
• First aid–trained PA's
• Drivers CPR and Defibrillator trained

Vehicle safety and road risk
Risk: Breakdown, collision
Controls:
• Daily vehicle safety checks and scheduled maintenance as per the Operator’s Licence conditions
• Drivers hold correct licence and CPC qualification
• Breakdown and emergency procedures in place

Residual Risk: Low/medium

Review: Annually, or following any incident, near miss, or change to pupil needs or BCP Council requirements

Ongoing: requesting support via BCP in the form of a Blue Badge to enable safe drop-off and pick-up.