Calm, safe journeys to school for children with SEND
Sentinel Transport runs home-to-school minibus routes for councils and schools across London, with the same trained driver and passenger assistant every day. We also hire out minibuses with a driver for groups.
- Collected from homeAt the agreed time, by a driver the child already knows.
- Looked after on the wayA passenger assistant seated with the children who need one.
- Handed over at schoolTo a named member of staff, every time, and the same in reverse.
SEN home-to-school transport
For council travel assistance teams, special schools and resource bases.
- Fixed driver and passenger assistant on each route, so children see familiar faces
- Wheelchair-accessible minibuses and single-occupancy journeys where needed
- Pupil passports and travel plans followed on every journey
- A direct phone line to the person running your routes
Minibus hire with a driver
For school trips, community and faith groups, sports teams and events.
- Professional, DBS-checked drivers who know London's roads
- Day trips, airport runs, weddings and regular weekly bookings
- Accessible vehicles available for wheelchair users
- A clear fixed price before you book
What commissioners check before awarding a route
The same questions come up in every framework application and contract review. Here's where we stand on each.
- Operator licensing
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Application in progress
We're applying to the Traffic Commissioner for a standard PSV operator's licence, with a nominated transport manager. We won't run any paid journey until it's granted, and we'll share the licence number with every customer.
- Drivers
Every driver holds the right licence category for the vehicle (D1 or D), a current Driver CPC and an enhanced DBS check with a barred-list check for work with children. Licences are checked with the DVLA before they start and at regular intervals after.
- Passenger assistants
Enhanced DBS checked, trained in safeguarding, SEND awareness, first aid and safe use of wheelchair restraints. Where a child needs it, they travel seated beside them.
- Vehicles
Minibuses chosen to fit each route, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles with tested restraint systems. Each one has a driver's walkaround check before every shift and safety inspections on a fixed schedule, with records kept for audit.
- Insurance
Hire-and-reward motor insurance, public liability and employer's liability cover in place before any journey. Certificates are available to commissioning teams on request.
- Safeguarding and data
A written safeguarding policy with a named lead, clear incident reporting, and children's information handled under UK GDPR. Drivers carry only what they need for the journey.
How a new route starts
From first enquiry to the first morning pick-up.
You send the route
Pick-up areas, school, times and any needs. No names are needed at this stage.
We plan and price it
A route plan, vehicle, staffing and a clear price, usually within two working days.
Meet before day one
The driver and assistant meet the child and family, so the first journey isn't with strangers.
First week check-in
We call the school and the council after the first week to adjust anything that isn't working.
Planning transport for the 2027 school year?
Tell us what you need now and we'll have a route plan ready before term starts.