Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy Statement

BRIDGEWAY TRANSPORT LTD is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults using our transport services.

We recognise our duty of care to ensure that all passengers, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), are transported safely, respectfully and in a manner that protects their dignity and wellbeing.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

2. Scope of Policy

This policy applies to:

• All directors and company officers
• All employed or self-employed drivers
• Passenger assistants or escorts
• Any staff engaged by BRIDGEWAY TRANSPORT LTD

This policy covers all home-to-school, school-to-home and contracted SEND transport services.

3. Legal & Regulatory Framework

BRIDGEWAY TRANSPORT LTD operates in compliance with:

• TfL Private Hire regulations
• The Children Act 1989 & 2004
• The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• UK GDPR and Data Protection legislation

All drivers must hold a valid TfL Private Hire Driver Licence and enhanced DBS certification as required by TfL.

4. Recruitment & Vetting

To ensure passenger safety:

• All drivers must hold a valid TfL licence.
• Enhanced DBS checks must be completed and maintained.
• Right to work documentation is verified.
• Licence and compliance checks are regularly reviewed.

No driver will be allocated SEND transport without meeting safeguarding requirements.

5. Training & Awareness

Drivers and staff are expected to:

• Understand safeguarding responsibilities
• Recognise signs of abuse or neglect
• Follow appropriate reporting procedures
• Maintain professional boundaries at all times

Where required by contract, safeguarding training will be completed and refreshed.

6. Professional Conduct

All drivers and staff must:

• Treat passengers with dignity, patience and respect
• Avoid physical contact unless necessary for safety or mobility assistance
• Never engage in inappropriate conversation or behaviour
• Never share personal contact details with passengers
• Never transport unauthorised passengers

Mobile phone use while driving is strictly prohibited.

7. Transport Safety Procedures

For SEND transport services:

• Passenger details and specific needs must be recorded securely.
• Drivers must follow agreed pickup and drop-off procedures.
• Children will only be released to an authorised adult or designated school staff member.
• If no responsible adult is present at drop-off, the agreed escalation procedure will be followed.

Where required, passenger assistants or escorts will accompany journeys.

8. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Any safeguarding concern must be reported immediately to:

• The Company Director or Safeguarding Lead
• The relevant Local Authority (if contracted)
• Emergency services where there is immediate risk

All concerns will be:

• Recorded in writing
• Treated confidentially
• Reported appropriately without delay

Staff must never investigate safeguarding concerns themselves.

9. Confidentiality & Data Protection

Passenger information, including medical or behavioural needs, will:

• Be processed in accordance with UK GDPR
• Be stored securely
• Only be shared with authorised persons

Confidential safeguarding information will only be disclosed where legally required.

10. Allegations Against Drivers or Staff

Any allegation made against a driver or staff member will:

• Be treated seriously
• Result in immediate suspension from SEND duties where appropriate
• Be reported to TfL and/or the relevant authority
• Be investigated in accordance with safeguarding procedures

11. Behaviour & Incident Management

In the event of challenging behaviour:

• Drivers must prioritise safety
• Physical intervention must only occur where absolutely necessary to prevent harm
• Incidents must be recorded and reported

Transport arrangements may be reviewed if safety risks persist.

12. Review of Policy

This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

• Legislation changes
• TfL guidance changes
• Contractual requirements require updates

13. Safeguarding Lead

The Director of BRIDGEWAY TRANSPORT LTD acts as the Designated Safeguarding Lead and is responsible for:

• Receiving safeguarding reports
• Liaising with local authorities
• Ensuring compliance with safeguarding obligations

Declaration

BRIDGEWAY TRANSPORT LTD is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding for all children and vulnerable adults entrusted to our care.