NOT A DREADED JOURNEY 1. Robust recruitment and vetting


Hire people with patience, kindness, and the ability to laugh at knock-knock jokes - no matter how many times they hear the same one. And yes, vetting is serious, but a sense of humour should be mandatory too.


2. Comprehensive training Training covers all the essentials:


l Handling emergencies: like the time someone dropped a grape and it rolled under the seat, causing a minor existential crisis.


l De-escalation skills: “Who can do the quietest ninja impression?” works wonders for peace and quiet.


l Communication: speaking “Kid” fluently, including advanced giggle translation.


l Disability awareness and inclusion: because everyone deserves a great trip (and maybe a joke or two).


l Confidentiality and data protection: remember, what happens on the school run, stays on the school run (except the jokes, those are for sharing).


3. Clear policies and procedures


Document everything - from incidents to the running tally of lost gloves. And make sure the “Joke of the Day” gets a mention in every report.


4. Technology integration Let’s embrace the digital age:


l GPS tracking: so you know where the minibus is (even if the kids are convinced you’re actually on a secret detour to the moon).


l Dedicated apps: for seamless scheduling, updates and, hopefully, a “send a joke” feature in the next update.


l Automated alerts: because no one wants to miss a pick-up - or the “Punchline of the Week”.


5. Vehicle suitability and maintenance


Clean, accessible vehicles are a must - bonus points if you can remove biscuit crumbs faster than a kid can drop them.


6. Strong partnership with schools and families


Regular communication is crucial. And if you can swap riddles with the teachers, even better. Laughter really is the best feedback tool.


7. Well-defined routes and schedules


Careful route planning means fewer surprises. Unless, of course, you count the time someone tried to navigate using a treasure map.


PHTM SEPTEMBER 2025


How to improve school runs & passenger assistant services


1. Empowering passenger assistants


l Encourage sharing of tips - and the best puns. Maybe even hold a “Passenger Assistant’s Got Talent” for joke-telling.


l Reward outstanding care with gold stars and maybe a tiny trophy for “Funniest Carpool Captain.”


l Offer support and a chance to swap stories - because sometimes all you need is a good laugh after a wild Wednesday morning.


2. Investing in ongoing innovation


l Try out new tech - maybe a voice assistant that tells dad jokes on command?


l Test eco-friendly vehicles, so the only thing polluting the air is laughter.


l Create peer support groups - where venting and joke-swapping are both highly encouraged.


5. Enhanced safeguarding and inclusion


Review safeguarding regularly, making sure everyone feels safe and included. Remember, the only thing anyone should feel left out of is a bad pun.


6. Feedback-driven change


Solicit honest feedback. If the most common comment is: “This was the most fun I’ve ever had on a school run!” you know you’re on the right track.


Conclusion


School runs are serious business - but with the right passenger assistants, they’re also a rolling comedy show. From safe arrivals to side-splitting giggles, these journeys can be the highlight of everyone’s day.


So let’s keep investing in people, technology, and, most importantly, a sense of humour - the secret ingredient for a school run that’s safe, smooth, and just a little bit silly.


If you find yourself at the wrong side of the fun bus – looking to grow with the support and fun that is provided as a member of the Elite Family – then after your school runs are completed send me an email:


paul@elite-liverpool.co.uk 23


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