Transporting Children

This guidance should be read in conjunction with the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit document 'Safe sport events, activities and competitions' (2017).

1. General Transport Responsibilities

How a child will travel to and from the organisation must be agreed with parents or guardians when the child joins.

• Parents/guardians are responsible for transport arrangements to and from training sessions or competitive events unless the organisation is providing team transport.
• Private arrangements between parents/guardians for transporting other members' children are at their sole discretion.
• Drivers are responsible for ensuring that all children use seat belts. Vehicles used must be fitted with seat belts and must not exceed the recommended number of passengers.

2. Children Traveling Alone

Some children may be capable of making their own way home. Each situation should be assessed individually, and parental consent must be provided.

Factors to consider include:

• Distance the child must travel.
• Presence of busy roads.
• Route safety (e.g., lighting, isolation).

3. Staff Transport Responsibilities

• It is not the responsibility of the coach or poolside staff to transport or arrange transport for members to/from training, events, or galas.
• If a child is not collected on time, refer to the Late Collection of Children section of this policy.

4. When Transport is Provided by the Organisation

• Written consent must be obtained from each parent or guardian.
• Parents/guardians' contact information should be up to date and verified.

5. Information Provided to Parents/Guardians

When the organisation is providing team transport to an event, parents/guardians will receive written information including:

• The type of transport (e.g., coach, minibus).
• Departure and expected return times.
• The meeting and return locations.
• The contact number for a nominated officer at the event (for emergencies only).