How a school run booking works
Most parents set up the school run once at the start of term. You tell us the pick-up address, the school, the days and times, and how many children are travelling. We book the whole pattern, so there is no need to call every morning. If a day changes, such as an inset day, a late club or a half-day before the holidays, just let us know in advance.
For one-off journeys, like a hospital appointment in the middle of the day or a day when your usual lift falls through, book as you would any taxi. Early booking helps because school start times are our busiest period after the airport rush.
Safety and licensing
Every driver we use holds a Transport for London private hire licence. Before TfL licenses a driver, it carries out an enhanced DBS background check, a medical assessment and other checks, and licences are renewed regularly. Vehicles are licensed and inspected too.
We ask parents to agree the handover arrangements with us at the start: who the child is handed to at school, what happens if nobody is at home on the return trip, and a contact number that will always be answered. Our office is open 24 hours, so there is always someone to call.
Child seats and age
UK law requires children to use a suitable child seat until they are 12 years old or 135cm tall, whichever comes first. Private hire vehicles have some exemptions, but we would rather children travel safely, so we provide child seats on request. Tell us each child's age and approximate weight when you book and we will fit the right seat before the car arrives.
Choosing the right car
A saloon suits up to three children with a booster seat for each. For siblings, car-share arrangements between families, or children with bulky sports kit and instruments, a 6 seater taxi gives more room and sliding doors that are easier for little ones. You can compare vehicles on our fleet page.
Schools and routes we know
Kingston has a busy school map, with schools in and around the town centre, Norbiton, Coombe and New Malden, and many families travel further, to schools in Wimbledon, Surbiton or Sutton. Drop-off times usually fall right in the morning rush on Kingston Hill, Cambridge Road and the A3, so we build extra time into every pick-up.
We also cover families living further out. Parents in Raynes Park and Wimbledon often book us for journeys to Kingston schools and back.
Holidays and airport runs
When term ends, many of our school run families book us for the drive to the airport. If you are flying from Heathrow at the start of the summer holidays, our Heathrow airport taxi page explains how we time departures during the busiest weeks of the year.
Frequently asked questions
Can the same driver do our school run every day?
We try to keep the same driver where we can, because children settle better with a familiar face. We cannot guarantee it every day, but we will always tell you if a different driver is coming.
Can my child travel alone?
Many parents book the school run for children travelling without an adult. Please discuss your child’s age and needs with us first, and agree the handover arrangements at both ends.
What happens on inset days or strike days?
Let us know as soon as the school tells you and we will cancel or change those journeys. Regular bookings are easy to adjust.
Do you provide booster seats as well as baby seats?
Yes. Child seats are available on request, from seats for babies and toddlers to boosters for older children. Tell us each child’s age and weight when you book.
How do we pay for a regular school run?
You can pay by card or cash. For regular bookings, speak to us about the payment arrangement that suits you.