Nursery World - Minibus rules affect out-of-school clubs

Legal issues in the running of minibuses which could have far-reaching implications for private schools or nurseries have been highlighted by the experience of a school running out-of-school clubs. The principal of Pocklington Montessori School in York, Rosie Pressland, said that after receiving a bogus phone call she discovered that unless the school acquires charitable status its minibus drivers will need to hold additional driving qualifications.

The principal of Pocklington Montessori School in York, Rosie Pressland, said that after receiving a bogus phone call she discovered that unless the school acquires charitable status its minibus drivers will need to hold additional driving qualifications.

Ms Pressland said, 'We had written a piece in the local paper about our clubs, explaining that we were happy to pick children up from school in our minibus. Then we received a bogus call from someone claiming to be Keith Brown, the transport provision manager of East Riding Council.'

The caller claimed that the school's minibus service was illegal if drivers did not hold a public service vehicle licence.

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