14 January 2025


Dear Parent/Carer


I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to address an important matter regarding pupils who use the A1 and A4 buses to travel to and from school. 

As you are aware, from the 25 November 2024 without consultation and with very little notice, Lancashire County Council replaced the school bus service with a public bus service. You may also be aware that these changes also included pick up and drop offs and even the routes. When we enquired about the reasons for these changes, we were told that this review was part of ongoing efforts to maximise resources whilst reducing expenditure. Therefore, as a school we no longer have a dedicated school bus service. Instead, our pupils rely on the local authority-run public bus service, specifically the A1 and A4, which pass by the school at the start and end of the day.  

It is important that pupils and parents recognise this significant change in bus service, routes and times and plan accordingly for any possible disruption. While we recognise the need for the LA to maximise resources and reduce expenditure and are grateful that the changes to the bus service and routes accommodate pupils travelling to and from school, it also increases the risk of delays and disruption, for all sorts of reasons.  

Should this happen pupils must inform staff at school and, if necessary, come back into school in order to stay safe and make alternative travel arrangements. We will ensure they are looked after and allowed to wait for a later bus (please check and let your son/daughter know which bus to catch) or to call parents/carers to arrange a pick-up.

Please discuss and establish a clear plan with your child for alternative ways to get home if there is an issue with the bus. This may include walking with friends, taking a different bus route, or contacting a trusted adult for assistance.

We understand the challenges that come with relying on public transport and are sympathetic to these issues. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of parent/carer to ensure that their child knows how to get home safely in the event of any transport disruption.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

Yours sincerely

Mr R Foster
Deputy Headteacher

 

Updated: 16/01/2025 112 KB