Criterion HS211#

If children travel in a motor vehicle while in the care of the service:

• each child is restrained as required by Land Transport legislation and
• the written permission of the parent of the child is obtained before the travel begins.

Documentation required#

Evidence of parental permission for any travel by motor vehicle. In most cases, this requirement will be met by the excursion records required for criterion HS210.

Guidance#

How to show you are complying#

When an educator is responsible for transporting children in a vehicle, they need to know how to safely restrain them, in line with relevant land transport legislation.  

Before travelling with children in a private motor vehicle, educators must check that:

• every child has is properly restrained,
• parents have provided written permission for children to travel in a motor vehicle. 

You can collect parents’ written permission at the time of enrolment or through an excursion form if the parent is not accompanying the child. If you are considering transporting children to and from the service, the accountability for regular transport (outside enrolled and licensed hours) is to be agreed between parents and the service concerned.

There are different requirements for taxis, shuttles and buses.

In most circumstances, you do not have to use child restraints if you travel in taxis, shuttles, and buses. The exception is if a taxi company provides appropriate child restraints.

If you are travelling by bus, and seatbelts are not provided, children must remain seated and be supervised throughout the journey.