Safety in access and egress of students using school transport in secondary education

Abstract

This study intends to shed light upon the aspects of safety involved in accessing and egressing school premises by students using the provided school transport service. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in order to gain a pan optic view of the situation; to provide knowledge on how the entire system of arrival and dismissal of students operates; to discern strengths and weaknesses; and to identify all the stakeholders involved and their responsibilities. The research focused on two schools, a boys' and a girls' Secondary in Malta. As a starting point, due to the little available literature on the subject, special attention was given to a notable performance audit report published in 2002; to particular subject-linked primary and secondary legislation; to an ombudsman's investigation; and to a number of newspaper articles featuring contemporary debates on the issue. It is hoped that the main aspects and recommendations emerging from this study can eventually help to fashion a possible framework, on which a future health and safety policy on this subject may ensue.