Before the first journey
- Meet the driver and passenger assistant. Ask for a visit at home or at school before day one. We offer this for every new route.
- Show photos. A picture of the minibus, the driver and the assistant helps your child know what to expect.
- Use a visual timetable or social story. Show each step: shoes on, minibus arrives, seat, journey, school, handover.
- Share a short note or pupil passport. How your child likes to be greeted, what helps when they're anxious, sounds or touch to avoid, and favourite topics.
On the journey
- Ask for the same seat every day
- Agree whether ear defenders, a comfort item or a tablet with headphones can travel with them
- Keep pick-up times consistent, and ask to be told before the minibus arrives
Handovers
Agree who will hand your child over at home and who will meet them at school. A named adult at each end, every day, takes away uncertainty.
If something changes
Ask the transport provider to tell you before the journey if the driver, assistant or vehicle has to change, so you can prepare your child. We always do this.