Has anyone been able to get prep school to run a mini-bus service?

[WorryIsMyName]

Hi,

My dc prep doesn't have a school bus service. Private mini-bus companies only take contracts out with the school, not individuals. I have asked the HT but the only thing she could offer was to put a note in the newsletter for carpooling.

Anyone tried this before? Would there be any point in trying after the HT response? I think it would be good to cut down on traffic, petrol and chaos by school gate.

Thanks in advance!

Where are you? All the prep schools in our area ( south London/Surrey) run minibus services, it is taken for granted.

I think your HT is not being very helpful, I would expect any head to look into these issues and provide the service if there is a demand for it from parents.

School had a few parents further out that wanted a bus service. Not sure of exact details but they came up with a plan where the school split the cost of a minibus with a church out in the sticks who get to use it at weekends and in the holidays. Good community relations ! (not a school with religious leaning)

Where we live in West London most of the prep schools do. Some are run by the school and some are privately organised. Some councils have community vehicles you can hire with a driver & they are cheaper than private minibus hire companies. Another option is entering a contract with a minicab driver who has a people carrier/Mercedes people mover who will do the run for you.

I am in north London/herts borders. I don't think the HT is particularly helpful in this case either. The school is on a main road and its not easy to drop off. they won't let you use the forecourt so u have to park and walk the children. I wonder if I can get enough parents interested then the school could consider? Would the best way to go through the PTA perhaps?
Thanks for responses so far.

Our prep does, using the school minibuses which a couple of members of staff drive.

There is one bus serving several private schools ( prep and senior) in the nearest city , which picks up from our village and others on route to the city. I believe it is run by a coach hire firm and parents buy a termly bus ticket from the bus company. How it started I have no idea, but it's a slightly different business model to a small school organizing a bus.