HYFLY Taxis

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Driver Policy

HYFLY

School Transport Driver Policy

Cambridgeshire County Council & Local Authority Contracts

Company: HYFLY 
Website: www.hyflytaxis.co.uk

1. Purpose

HYFLY  is committed to providing safe, reliable, and professional transport services for children and young people travelling under Special Educational Needs (SEN) and mainstream school transport contracts.

This policy sets out the standards, responsibilities, and conduct expected from all drivers undertaking school transport work on behalf of HYFLY .

All drivers must comply with this policy at all times.

2. Driver Requirements

Drivers must:

  • Hold a valid UK Driving Licence.
  • Maintain an Enhanced DBS Certificate where required.
  • Complete all mandatory safeguarding training.
  • Attend any training required by HYFLY  or the contracting authority.
  • Be medically fit to undertake transport duties.
  • Maintain all licensing and insurance requirements.
  • Immediately inform HYFLY  of any change affecting their ability to perform transport duties.

Failure to maintain these requirements may result in immediate suspension from school transport work.

3. Professional Standards

Drivers represent both HYFLY  and the contracting authority.

Drivers must:

  • Behave professionally and courteously at all times.
  • Treat passengers, parents, carers, school staff, and colleagues with respect.
  • Maintain a calm and patient manner.
  • Arrive punctually for all collections and drop-offs.
  • Follow all lawful instructions issued by HYFLY .
  • Wear clean and presentable clothing.
  • Keep vehicles clean and in good condition.

Drivers must not:

  • Use abusive, threatening, or offensive language.
  • Smoke or vape in the vehicle.
  • Engage in arguments with passengers, parents, schools, or council staff.
  • Act in any way that may damage the reputation of HYFLY.

4. Safeguarding Responsibilities

Children and young people transported under school contracts are considered vulnerable passengers.

Drivers have a duty to safeguard every child in their care.

Drivers must:

  • Treat all children with dignity and respect.
  • Maintain professional boundaries.
  • Follow safeguarding procedures.
  • Report concerns immediately.
  • Follow any individual transport instructions provided.

Drivers must never:

  • Exchange personal contact details with passengers.
  • Communicate with children through social media.
  • Take photographs or videos of passengers.
  • Engage in inappropriate conversations.

Any safeguarding concern must be reported to HYFLY  immediately.

5. Route Responsibilities

Drivers must:

  • Operate only authorised routes.
  • Follow approved collection and drop-off arrangements.
  • Verify the correct passenger before commencing a journey.
  • Ensure passengers are safely seated before moving the vehicle.
  • Follow any special instructions provided by the council or HYFLY.

Drivers must not:

  • Alter routes without authorisation.
  • Carry unauthorised passengers.
  • Leave a child unattended.
  • Drop a passenger at an unauthorised location.

6. Passenger Absence and School Closures

Drivers must immediately notify HYFLY if:

  • A passenger is not available for collection.
  • A parent advises that a child will not attend school.
  • A school advises that a child is absent.
  • A route cannot be completed as scheduled.

Drivers must not assume payment will be made for journeys that do not take place. 

All passenger absences and school closure information must be reported to HYFLY on the same day.

Failure to report non-operated journeys may result in disciplinary action.

7. Attendance and Availability

Drivers are expected to provide reliable and consistent service.

If a driver is unable to undertake a route due to illness, vehicle breakdown, emergency, or any other reason, they must notify HYFLY  immediately.

Drivers must not arrange alternative drivers without prior approval from HYFLY.

8. Driver Notice Period

School transport routes require continuity and stability for vulnerable passengers.

Any driver wishing to:

  • Leave HYFLY ,
  • Withdraw from school transport work,
  • Relinquish an allocated route,

must provide a minimum of 28 calendar days written notice.

Notice may be submitted by:

  • Email
  • Letter
  • Company-approved written communication

During the notice period, drivers must continue operating their allocated routes unless otherwise agreed.

Failure to provide the required notice may affect eligibility for future work with HYFLY Taxis.

9. Communication Policy

All communications regarding school transport contracts must be coordinated through HYFLY.

Drivers must not:

  • Contact council officers regarding contractual disputes.
  • Make representations on behalf of HYFLY .
  • Share confidential company information.

Any issues relating to routes, payments, complaints, or operational matters must be reported to HYFLY  management.

10. Mobile Phones and Electronic Devices

Drivers must comply with all road traffic laws regarding mobile phone use.

Drivers must not:

  • Use handheld mobile phones while driving.
  • Send messages while driving.
  • Use social media during transport duties.
  • Photograph or record passengers.

Hands-free devices may only be used where safe and lawful.

11. Vehicle Standards

Vehicles used for school transport must:

  • Be fully licensed and insured.
  • Meet all council contract requirements.
  • Be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition.
  • Have working seatbelts for all passengers.
  • Be clean and presentable.

Drivers must carry out daily safety checks before commencing work.

Any defect affecting safety must be reported immediately.

12. Health and Safety

Drivers must:

  • Comply with road traffic legislation.
  • Drive safely and responsibly.
  • Ensure passengers use safety restraints where required.
  • Report accidents and incidents immediately.
  • Follow company health and safety procedures.

13. Equality, Diversity and Respect

HYFLY is committed to providing services free from discrimination.

Drivers must treat all individuals fairly and respectfully regardless of:

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Race
  • Religion or belief
  • Gender
  • Sexual orientation
  • Any other protected characteristic

Bullying, harassment, or discrimination will not be tolerated.

14. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Drivers may have access to confidential information relating to passengers and families.

Drivers must:

  • Keep information confidential.
  • Comply with UK GDPR requirements.
  • Secure all transport-related information.
  • Only share information where authorised or legally required.

15. Breach of Policy

Failure to comply with this policy may result in:

  • Verbal warning
  • Written warning
  • Removal from school transport duties
  • Suspension from work
  • Suspension from work
  • Referral to licensing authorities
  • Referral to safeguarding agencies where appropriate