School Travel

We would like our pupils to walk to school and nursery whenever possible, however, we do appreciate that this is not always an option or practical. 

School Bus

For those children living in Polbeth and outlying rural areas the school does have a designated bus and minibus service. Transport travelling expenses are paid for children attending their catchment school if they live more than one and a half miles from the school. Where there is no public transport, contract buses are laid on. Where there are vacant seats on contract buses, these may be made available to pupils who are not normally entitled to free transport. Parents who choose to send their children to a school other than their catchment school, will normally pay their own travelling expenses. It's always worthwhile checking as there are exceptions to this rule. Further reading regarding school transport in West Lothian can be found on the West Lothian Council website (opens new window).

If travelling to the school by bus is something that you are interested in please have a look at the bus routes (opens new window) that service our school and see if this is an option for your child. 

Season bus passes for a daily bus service are provided and are issued to all Polbeth children who wish to use the school bus and if they live more than one and half miles from the school.  Season bus passes need to be applied for via an online application form (opens new window). For lost season tickets there is a standard replacement charge of £2.00. Transport for rural pupils is provided by mini-bus and taxi contracted by West Lothian Council. For further information please have a look at West Lothian Council School Transport Policy (opens new window).

It is also worthwhile noting that travel is free for all over 5s under the Young Persons' Free Travel Scheme (opens new window). You can apply for this using Parent Portal once your child has started primary school. 

School Transport procedures in the event of adverse weather

During adverse weather conditions school transport operators have been instructed that if a child is picked up on route and news reaches the driver that the school is closed, the driver will proceed to the school with the child as planned.

Under no circumstances will the driver return to the pick up point until such time as the parents have been informed of the situation. 

It is vitally important that parents are aware that transport may not operate at all in adverse weather conditions and parents must have a contingency plan should the bus not arrive at the pick up point. Please ensure that your child/children are aware of these guidelines and what to do if the bus does not arrive for any reason as normal.

In extreme weather conditions such as snow, parents/carers should carry out a risk assessment as to whether they consider it safe for their child to travel or walk to school. Parents/carers should then inform the school of their decision at the earliest opportunity.

Bikes and Scooters

Children are welcome to travel to the school on bikes or scooters. We would encourage parents to ensure their child is familiar with the route to and from the school and wears a cycle helmet. There are bike racks in the playground where bikes and scooters can be secured with a bike chain. Please note that children should not cycle in the school grounds for safety reasons and should just walk their bike or scooter to the bike racks once through the school gates. 

If you are bringing your child to school using an e-bike or e-scooter, please modify your speed along the pavements. Please bear in mind that we are a school and a nursery and small children don't always walk in a straight line!

Driving to School

While we encourage walking or alternative transport whenever possible, we understand that driving is sometimes the best option for your family. To keep everyone safe and traffic moving smoothly, please note the following guidelines:

• Staff Car Park: Our car park is small and reserved exclusively for staff use. Parent and carer parking is not permitted during drop-off or pick-up times unless prior approval has been arranged with the school.

• Turning Circle: You are welcome to use the turning circle for quick drop-offs—such as for breakfast club or at the start of the school day—but please do not park and leave your vehicle unattended there.

• Local Parking & Neighbourhood Courtesy: Our school sits at the bottom of a narrow residential road, please take care not to block local driveways, the roadway, or emergency access routes.

• Alternative Parking: For a convenient and stress-free alternative, additional parking is available at West Calder High School. A footpath connects the high school directly to our grounds, making it an ideal spot to park and walk the final short distance.