For most children, the beautiful journey to school is a daily social event and a chance to learn about the many points of interest on the way and an opportunity to discuss the school day. In summer, families stop at the lake for a swim, or they go for a walk or a run.

School Transport

Borrowdale School owns two minibuses which are used to transport children to events or places of interest to make the most of the rich learning environment outside our grounds, but they are also used in the mornings and afternoons to transport children to and from school on the parents’ behalf. The children board the bus at an agreed point near their home. There is no age limit for children who can use the bus.

The school minibus is driven by members of the school staff who do so on a voluntary basis. All drivers have been subject to a driving assessment. On longer journeys there will also usually be a chaperone on the bus.

The school does not make a profit from the bus, but some of the costs for operating the bus are recovered by charging the parents. The charges for using school transport are reviewed every year by the governors. Currently the charges are on a sliding scale: Child 1 full amount; Child 2 half amount; subsequent children and children in Nursery travel free. The full amount is approximately £1 per day. 

Local Authority Transport

At present, some children are entitled to free transport provided by the Local Authority. Provision of school transport is subject to the policy and discretion of the Local Authority. All enquiries and applications should be made directly to the Local Authority.

Entitlement to free transport is for pupils living within the catchment area and is by age and distance:

Under eight years of age and living over two miles from school.

Aged eight years and over and living more than three miles from school.

For children in catchment whose route to school is deemed ‘unsafe’ by the county.

Pick up after school

Children who travel on the bus are escorted to the bus by a member of staff. Please ensure you notify the school in good time if arrangements for your child are different to usual as it is not always possible for staff to check the answer phone after lunch before the end of the school day.

If you are picking up children after school has finished, you are more than welcome to see your child’s classroom to have a look at their work or to chat to the teachers, but please wait outside until the children have left and ask if the teacher is available to accommodate your visit.