Safety framework

Five layers. Every journey.

Safety isn't a section of the tender document. It's the only reason we exist. Here's how we keep children safe — before, during, and after every single journey.

Tier-3 incidents (all time)

100%

DBS compliance, always

24/7

Safeguarding line

Data retained, auditable

The five-layer framework

No single point of failure.

Before the journey: People

✓Enhanced DBS · Update Service daily check

✓MIDAS transport training · annual renewal

✓PATS passenger assistant training

✓Safeguarding Level 2 minimum

✓Paediatric first aid (3-year cert)

✓Team Teach de-escalation (SEND routes)

Before the journey: Vehicle

✓Pre-trip check · 12-point digital sign-off

✓CCTV system verified · 4-camera minimum

✓First aid kit and emergency procedures checked

✓MOT current + insurance in-date auto-verified

✓Vehicle disability aids checked (hoists, belts, ramps)

✓GPS tracker live + comms tested

During the journey: Live ops

✓GPS position every 10 seconds

✓Pickup confirmed with timestamped photo

✓Any variance >5 min triggers T1 alert

✓Driver comms open to ops throughout

✓Parent receives live ETA notification

✓Ops manager monitors all routes simultaneously

Incident response: Escalation protocol

✓Tier 1 (minor): ops acked within 15 min

✓Tier 2 (moderate): parent + school notified within 60s

✓Tier 3 (serious): LADO referral within 1 hour

✓All stakeholders notified via Slack, SMS, and email

✓Account director involved in all T2+

✓Post-incident debrief within 24 hours

After: Audit & review

✓Journey report auto-generated within 90 minutes

✓All data retained 6 years (Children Act 1989)

✓Monthly SLA report to LA commissioner

✓Quarterly formal review: LA + school + family

✓Annual driver review with re-certification check

✓FOI-ready data exports on request

Incident response protocol

Every incident is classified. Every response is timed.

Tier 1

Examples

Pickup variance, minor tech fault, minor road event

Response

Ops acknowledge within 15 min. Parent informed if variance >10 min.

SLA: 24h close

Tier 2

Examples

Significant delay, child concern, adult behaviour complaint

Response

Parent + school notified within 60s. Account director involved.

SLA: 12h close

Tier 3

Examples

Child disclosure, restraint use, accident, serious harm

Response

LADO referral within 1h. Police if required. Full investigation.

SLA: 48h initial report

Safeguarding documentation

Download our full safeguarding framework, DBS policy, and incident log for procurement.