Student Transportation Documents and Protocols

To ensure a safe and pleasant taxi ride, all passengers are expected to follow the guidelines set forth in the Munckhof handbook. In the event of inappropriate behavior or unsafe situations, the “Inappropriate Behavior Protocol” applies. 

Phase 1: Discussion regarding minor misconduct

 The driver calls the student out on his or her behavior in the shared taxi. 

  • If problems persist, a meeting (or phone call) will be held between the student, parent(s), and the transportation provider/driver to establish guidelines and improve behavior. If necessary, the school or local government will be involved.

Phase 2: Serious misconduct/written warning

  1.  If behavior does not improve after the meeting, a written warning will be issued. If there is still no improvement, phase 3 will be initiated. In the event of serious incidents in the shared taxi, the transportation provider may apply phase 3 immediately. Examples include physical violence, vandalism of the taxi, or damage to other students’ belongings.
  2. If the transportation provider determines that a student needs temporary assistance during transportation, parents may be asked to arrange this. An action plan will be drawn up for this purpose. The municipality/transportation provider will offer a seat in the shared taxi. Parents may hire a third party to provide this assistance. The costs for this are the parents’ responsibility.
  3. If parents are unable or unwilling to arrange for an escort, or if the escort is not effective enough, the transportation provider may decide to implement Phase 3. The municipality and the school’s truancy officer will be notified of this decision.
  4. If students have difficulty getting on or off the bus, the school will provide assistance on school grounds. Parents are responsible for providing assistance at the student’s home address or an alternative address. If problems arise there because no assistance is provided, parents will receive a written warning. After that, further steps outlined in the protocol may be taken.

Phase 3: Serious misconduct/suspension

  1. The student will be temporarily suspended from school transportation. Parents will receive a letter regarding this matter. The duration of the suspension depends on the severity of the behavior, with a maximum of eight weeks. The student remains subject to compulsory education during this period. During the suspension, parents are responsible for arranging transportation to and from school. During this period, parents and the municipality will discuss a long-term solution.
  2. If the student’s behavior does not improve after the suspension, the step-by-step plan for very serious misconduct will be implemented.

Phase 4: Removal

  1. The student will be removed from the shared taxi service. Within six weeks, the municipality will assess whether an alternative transportation arrangement is possible, such as a mileage allowance. They will also evaluate whether the student is capable of traveling independently. To this end, a meeting will be held with the municipality, and a transportation development plan will be drawn up.
  2. A return to the group taxi may be reconsidered if the school or a support professional indicates that the student is showing positive progress and the likelihood of the behavior recurring is low. 

No complaints procedure

 This protocol applies only to inappropriate behavior in the shared taxi. Complaints regarding the driver, the transportation, or the service are handled by the transportation provider. 

Definition

  •  Parent(s): The student’s parent(s), foster parent(s), guardian(s), or caregiver(s).
  • Transport Provider: General contractor and responsible for school transportation for the municipality of Geldrop-Mierlo.
  • Shared taxi: Adapted transportation, transportation by (school) bus, or passenger taxi.