Cameras, GPS must on school buses: Adec

Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) has called on all private schools to instal surveillance cameras and GPS device on all buses.

The move is aimed at enhancing safety standards of children on school buses. Adec has also set up a website (child.protection@adec.ac.ae ) where students and guardians can communicate directly with the council - either to post complaints or give suggestions to further improve safety standards, reported 'Emarat Al Youm'.

Adec will soon issue guidelines detailing strict procedures to be followed right from the time of registration of students into a school. The principal of a school is the guardian and is responsible for the child while in school and on the bus or during outdoor activities and until they reach home.

Youssuf Al Sheryani, Executive Director of Private Education and Quality Assurance Division, Adec, said: "Schools must protect children from any abuse (physical, psycological or verbal), violence, etc."

Each school must have its own set of rules to deal with such issues. In case of unfortunate instances, the school principal must immediately be notified who should strictly follow Adec guidelines as well as inform the council within 24 hours. The council will, in turn, take disciplinary action as deemed fit.

The new guidelines include mandatory qualification of school bus supervisors.

They should have passed middle-school, have no criminal records and no complaints. Other requirements include recommendation letter from the previous employer with regards to their conduct and ability to handle children.

Supervisors are responsible for the children from the moment they board the bus until they are dropped off, Sheryani said.

Drivers must have Class B or Class licences with no black points. They also should present a recommendation letter from the previous employers and should be responsible for childrens' safety, Sheryani said.

Schools are asked to interview supervisors and drivers thoroughly prior to hiring them. He also insisted bus employees to carry present themselves well. 

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