The Framework for Independent Schools' Transport Services
The Route to ISTAS Accreditation
The journey towards achieving ISTAS accreditation is genuinely collaborative, ensuring that schools are fully supported.
1
The Review
The Review is the beginning of the accreditation journey. It involves examining schools' current policies and procedures and, where necessary, making recommendations to align them to the ISTAS Standard. The Review is delivered on-line but may be conducted on site if preferred. The following areas are reviewed:
Our primary goal is to provide comprehensive support and assistance, ensuring every school successfully implements the framework for outstanding transport safety and management. This vital support is delivered efficiently online, offering schools flexible resources, guidance, and tools to navigate the accreditation process.
Meeting the ISTAS Standard
When the school's documentation is finalised and all requirements are demonstrably met, the complete portfolio, along with the initial review report, is forwarded to the Accreditation Panel. The panel reviews the evidence to confirm compliance before granting official ISTAS accreditation, recognising the school's commitment to the highest benchmark in pupil transport.
Accreditation
2
'Grey' Fleet Operations
Leaving & Vehicle Acquisitions
Locum Transport Managers
Grey Fleet refers to private vehicles (staff's own cars) used for school business. The key issue is that schools have a legal duty of care for staff, the vehicle's roadworthiness, the driver's licensing, and adequate business-use insurance, which often requires robust management checks.
Utilising professional assistance for the acquisition and leasing of school vehicles is crucial for ensuring a cost-effective and strategic purchasing process, enabling the selection of optimal vehicles at the best price, which ultimately maximises value for the school.
A Locum Transport Manager offers schools immediate expertise to ensure compliance and safety, covering unexpected staff absences with minimal disruption. They provide flexible, short or long-term cover without the commitment and overheads of a permanent employee.
Some examples of how we support schools:
Occupational Health
Stakeholder Communications
Scheduling & Data Collection
Creating Occupational Health policies ensures the school meets its legal Duty of Care for staff driving on school business. These policies protect against liability by ensuring staff are medically fit to drive. Ultimately, this promotes enhanced safety for drivers and pupils, reducing accidents and staff absence.
Effective communication builds parental trust and confidence in the transport service's safety and reliability. It provides real-time updates on delays or emergencies, allowing for prompt incident resolution, which is essential for student welfare and protecting the school's reputation.
Utilising professional assistance for the acquisition and leasing of school vehicles is crucial for ensuring a cost-effective and strategic purchasing process, enabling the selection of optimal vehicles at the best price, which ultimately maximises value for the school.
Lets talk about your journey
We're here to guide you and answer any questions you may have.
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Safety First
When children feel safe, their overall wellbeing is enhanced, reducing anxiety and promoting a positive school experience.
Strategic Value
By elevating transport to a strategic priority, ISTAS delivers a demonstrable, long-term return on investment.
Partnering with ISTAS is a clear demonstration that a school prioritises excellence extending its duty of care far beyond the classroom.
The Mark of Excellence