Your child’s school journey
If your child travels with Smart Group, this page explains the basics of the journey and where to turn with questions.
- Enhanced DBS checks
- Company vehicles licensed by Wychavon Council
- Wheelchair access by ramp
- Unbranded vehicles
Urgent question about today’s journey?
Call or WhatsApp the office on 01905 905 504.
Every parent has access to our business WhatsApp, and we use it to tell you about delays, absences and incidents.
Ask us about anything elseFrom home to school, and back again
The school journey: from home to school in the morning, and back home in the afternoon.
How our SEND school transport worksBefore the first day
When your child’s transport is arranged, our office calls you to go through the details, the timings and any questions. You meet the driver or passenger assistant before the first journey only if the council asks for it.
If anything is unclear, contact the transport team before the first journey.
Who will my child travel with?
Every driver and passenger assistant must have an enhanced DBS check. Smart Group arranges the check on their behalf.
Some routes have a driver and a passenger assistant, who is there to help any of the passengers in the vehicle. Routes without an assistant generally carry passengers who can board independently. The driver knocks at the door, takes the passenger to school and returns in the afternoon.
Children usually keep the same driver and passenger assistant. If either one changes because of leave, sickness or an emergency, we let you know by WhatsApp or phone.
At school, your child is taken to reception or handed over to a member of staff.
Ask the team about the arrangements for your child’s route.
Boarding and wheelchair access
Most of our wheelchair-accessible vehicles have a manual ramp. The driver helps with boarding, together with the passenger assistant where one is assigned.
If your child needs wheelchair space or other equipment, speak to us about their vehicle and access needs. Let the team know before any equipment changes.
Tell us what helps your child
A communication preference, a worry about travelling or a particular boarding need can be helpful to discuss. Start by contacting the team and asking how to share information about your child.
Please do not include medical records or other sensitive details in a general website enquiry.
Recognising the vehicle
Our fleet is unbranded. Use the vehicle and staff details supplied for your child’s route, and contact the team if you are unsure.
If a journey is delayed or plans change
We tell families about delays, absences and incidents by WhatsApp or phone. Every parent has access to our business WhatsApp.
To report an absence or ask about a late vehicle, call or WhatsApp the office on 01905 905 504. For a general question, contact Smart Group.
The office is open from 7am to 6pm. Outside those hours you can still send a WhatsApp or email, and we will reply as soon as we can. In an emergency, call the office straight away.
If your child becomes upset or unwell on a route with a passenger assistant, the assistant tells our office and you or the school straight away. We then report it to the council and to you. On routes without an assistant, the driver tells our office and we let you know.
To make a complaint, email info@smartgrouptransport.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp. We aim to deal with complaints within 48 hours.
Applying for school travel assistance
For eligibility, applications or a change of address or school, contact the council arranging your child’s transport. The council can explain the options and any next steps.
Smart Group can help with questions about an existing Smart Group journey.
Have a question about a journey?
For anything urgent, call or WhatsApp the office on 01905 905 504. For a general enquiry, tell us how we can help.
Ask about your child’s journey