On Monday afternoon, April 28, a serious incident occurred involving a school bus transporting students from St Benedict Catholic Academy in Darley Abbey, Derby, to their homes in Allenton. A boy fell from the top deck of the double-decker bus while it was travelling along Osmaston Road. He was promptly taken to hospital, where he was treated for what were described as significant injuries. Fortunately, he has since been discharged.
Hazel Boyce, the head teacher of St Benedict Catholic Academy, confirmed the incident in a statement shared with Derbyshire Live. She stated that an internal investigation is underway at the school, while the bus company, Notts and Derby, is also conducting its own review. In a letter addressed to parents, Ms Boyce explained that the incident stemmed from "dangerous behaviour displayed by some pupils" on the bus. She noted that there have been increasing reports of students out of their seats, running up and down the aisle, and engaging in roughhousing.
Ms Boyce elaborated on the circumstances that led to the boy's fall, detailing how a window on the upper deck was pushed out as a result of this disruptive behaviour, resulting in the pupil falling onto the road below. "All pupils who attend St Benedict can use the school bus to travel to and from school, including use of the free, late bus," she mentioned, but emphasised the expectation of safe and respectful conduct from all passengers.
Concerns regarding student behaviour on the bus have been voiced by parents, drivers, and members of the public, with reports including shouting, running, fighting, intimidation, and even instances of vaping and foul language. In response to these incidents, Notts and Derby has committed to reviewing CCTV footage after every journey and will now report any incidents of poor behaviour to the school on a daily basis.
Ms Boyce indicated that students who continue to exhibit inappropriate behaviour may face repercussions, which could range from detention to temporary bans from using the bus service. She expressed her gratitude for the support from parents during this challenging situation.
Stuart Frost, the manager at Notts and Derby Buses, acknowledged the incident and confirmed that an investigation is ongoing in coordination with the school.
Source: Noah Wire Services