LOtC offers a significant amount of educational value, but it also takes up a significant amount of valuable time.

The demands of the National Curriculum do not allow much time for schools to provide their pupils with the valuable Learning Outside the Classroom activities that the DfE expects.

And the scheduling of Learning Outside the Classroom activities is made that bit harder when schools do not have transport of their own.

Schools that need to hire a coach often have a decision to make when the pupils only need to spend a couple of hours at the chosen location outside of the classroom: a) pay for the time that the driver is required to wait, or b) spend longer at the location and get picked up by the driver later.

Neither is ideal, but most schools are forced to pick the option that is financially viable – that being option b.

However, where schools have their own transport they have full control over how long pupils spend outside the classroom without any cost implications – making it easier to schedule such activities around the school timetable.

Leasing a minibus is a popular option for schools, not least because it gives them greater freedom as to where, when and how long children spend outside the classroom, but also because it is affordable.

It is an arrangement which makes it possible for schools to fund the minibus through a small payment each month.

And in some cases, where trips are paid for by contributions from parents and the PTA, it is possible to allocate a part of those payments towards the cost of the minibus – reducing the funds being deducted from the school’s capital account.

In leasing a minibus with Benchmark, you don’t have to worry about servicing and maintaining the vehicle as we absorb the costs and keep the vehicle fully operational at all times.

Benchmark Leasing specialises in the supply and maintenance of school minibuses. If you are interested in the benefits of a minibus do call us on 01753 859944 or click here to see what we can offer.