The International School Recovery Forum recently held a Round Table Discussion with International Schools from around the world to discuss the lessons learned and challenges faced in operating a school bus transportation service during COVID-19.  This post shares the insights from the schools and guidance from transportation consultants.

The Pandemic caught everyone unprepared and has highlighted the importance to have an emergency plan. As we return students to classrooms around the world let us be prepared for any kind of emergency or crisis that schools may face. In order to be properly prepared, a school should follow the 7 steps in Emergency Planning Management. 

Prepare


Alert


Communicate


Respond


Recover


Assess


Mitigate 


Join our discussion with the former federal law enforcement agent and CEO of Clearpath EPM Mike Johnson. He will guide all participants through these steps to be prepared for the future and help schools avoid possible disruption.

As this is a Round Table session we will limit attendance to a maximum of 8 schools.  Please RSVP if you intend to join.

COVID-19 has strained resources at schools due to changing regulations, schedules impacting routes and requirements for the health and safety of staff and students. Technology has been the enabler for schools to deliver a quality transportation service despite these disruptors. A command-and-control centre providing an overview of the bus operations combined with an app has allowed schools to respond effectively. 
 
Join our discussion with Carlos Guerrero, International School Transportation and Operational Risk expert in program development, policy writing, and crisis response planning related to student travel, campus safety, child protection, and medical response. He will share insights on how technology can help to: 

•    improve safety through documenting and sharing
•    create efficiency through cost saving tools including route planning 
•    support engagement by communicating relevant information such as schedule and procedural changes. 

As this is a Round Table session we will limit attendance to a maximum of 6 schools.  Please RSVP if you intend to join.
 

The International School Recovery Forum for COVID-19 is pleased to announce that Meredith Herold has joined the ISRF as a volunteer consultant and subject matter expert. Meredith brings her extensive experience in both the private and public sector including Hospitals, community and in particular international school setting. She is a registered nurse specialised in paediatrics, midwife and maternal and child health nurse. In addition, she has qualifications in Health and Safety.
Meredith has worked in Australia, and across Asia. She has developed process and strategies to support schools in ensuring staff are competent and students are safe. In addition, provided onsite competency reviews, audits, mentoring and training to assist moving schools forward in a competitive international market.

We welcome Meredith to the team and thank her for volunteering her time in support of this effort to return children around the world to a normal learning experience.

A non-profit, volunteer led initiative, the International School Recovery Forum (www.sep-forum.com ) is a free, moderated resource for International and Independent Schools to share best practice, ask questions and learn from experts as schools continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. 

Please join the International School Recovery Forum for COVID-19 where you will find an extensive range of content from International Schools around the world as they navigate the COVID-19 Pandemic.  
 

By Linda Howard - School Transport Management Limited

Safely operating school transport services during the Covid-19 Pandemic has presented new challenges. Seven or more months later, where are we now and how is the industry coping? 

Please read Linda's post to learn more.