The NASUWT has again been taking its message to MPs in its campaign to improve minibus safety for all schoolchildren.
At present schools can use exemptions to operate minibuses without proper qualifications and we are raising awareness among parliamentarians about the need for all schools with minibuses to have a full public service operators licence.
This would ensure teachers and other school staff driving minibuses had appropriate training to do so. We want parents, teachers and the public to sign the petition on the House of Commons website and call on their MP to back the campaign.
Liz and Steve Fitzgerald’s daughter Claire was 13 when she was killed along with 11 other pupils and their teacher. The tragedy occurred on November 18th 1993 when a minibus from Hagley Roman Catholic High School crashed on the M40 near Warwick. Only two pupils survived.
The couple have campaigned tirelessly since the death of their daughter for changes to make minibuses safer and with the NASUWT lobbied MPs at a campaign event in Portcullis House hosted by the couple’s MP, Labour’s Sarah Edwards.
A recent NASUWT survey found that one in four teachers have been pressured into driving a minibus without proper qualifications. It also reported that one in 10 have been required to drive more than 50 miles after a full day of teaching.
Ms Edwards said: “No parent should ever be told that their child won’t be returning from school. But that’s exactly what happened 30 years ago when Liz and Steve Fitzgerald lost their daughter, Claire. Since then, they have bravely campaigned for change in her memory.
“I’ve been supporting Liz and Steve since being elected with their campaign for change, and I’m pleased to bring them to Parliament to tell their story.
“The research from NASUWT paints a disturbing picture of the reality teachers are facing – being forced to drive long distances after already exhausting workdays without the proper qualifications. This is unacceptable and must change.”
Liz and Steve said: “We believe that leaving the law as it is means that we are all complicit in endorsing a two-tier safety system that places children in state schools at greater risk than those in private schools.
“The NASUWT has highlighted that, after 32 years, the situation has not changed. This is truly shocking.
“Claire wanted to be a lawyer for disadvantaged children, and she would want us to fight for justice.”
NASUWT Acting General Secretary Matt Wrack said: “A lot has been done to improve minibus safety, but teachers and school staff are still driving children long distances, sometimes for hours at a time, often after having worked all day.
“We hope all MPs will give their support to close the loophole in the regulations and ensure that all minibus drivers have formal qualifications and access to proper training.
“This can’t go on and we are asking all MPs to back the campaign and hopefully prevent further tragedies.”
