Contractor service delivery FAQs
A set of frequently asked questions and answers addressing the ASTP contractor service delivery.
- ATSOs are employees of the NSW Department of Education and are engaged under the School Administrative Staff Award variation.
- Further information on ATSO responsibilities is available on our website.
- Information on how to apply is available on our website.
- The ASTP interviews ATSO applicants to assess their suitability for the position.
- If ATSOs require information on their responsibilities and conditions of employment, please refer them to the program.
- It takes an estimated 41 days for ATSO onboarding including completion of their mandatory training.
- To ensure that all ATSOs are aware of and comply with policies, procedures and relevant legislation concerning eligible students on assisted school travel, the ASTP provides mandatory training throughout the year.
- Full details of ATSO training requirements are outlined in the ATSO training framework.
- It is the school’s responsibility to provide the ATSO with a copy of the behaviour and health care support plans for the students they supervise. These plans should remain in the vehicle.
- Schools also provide ATSOs with a briefing on how to support and supervise students and may also assist with the provision of specialised training.
- There is an expectation that ATSOs are able to clearly communicate is the course of carrying out their duties. As such, ATSO English skills and physical ability to perform duties are assessed at ATSO training. English speaking skills are also assessed as part of the initial ATSO application process.
- Yes, drivers can apply for approval to work as a relief ATSO on runs.
- They must follow the ATSO application process and will undergo the same ATSO training once employed.
- The ATSO STT list is updated on a regular basis, however, ATSO availability can change from week to week due to their work and life commitments.
- The program welcomes information from contractors regarding ATSO availability.
- It is important to ensure all ATSOs on the STT list work a minimum of one shift annually to remain active employees.
- Contractors are paid a 15% loading to cover the additional costs associated with having an ATSO on the run.
- Contractors can negotiate a mutually convenient pick-up location with the ATSO.
- Contractors should not be insisting that ATSOs meet them at depots, etc. although this does occur when mutually agreed.
- If a mutual agreement cannot be reached, please contact the ASTP for assistance.
- It is important that the route and run order is followed, however contractors are encouraged to use the shortest most practical route and good judgement.
- Sometimes there may be slight variations due to roadblocks, floods, traffic issues that require a deviation. In such situations, contractors are asked to contact the ASTP to consider endorsing unplanned detours and when necessary, adjusting payments.
- If drivers or contractors have legitimate ongoing safety or traffic concerns with the run mapping, or with the run order, they can contact the program and request a route review.
- Contractors need to email the program and provide specific information on the driveway issue and propose a solution, including photos.
- The ASTP will determine the agreed solution.
- If you have questions about the ASTP Mobile App for Drivers, please email the program or call 1300 338 278 and press 2 (for Eligible Services Provider enquiries) and then press 6 (for Technical enquiries).
- Where possible please include screenshots of the issue.
- At present, that functionality is not possible with the mobile app.
- The ASTP will advise contractors when there are any Mobile App enhancements.
- Contractors need to proactively nominate drivers in advance who will service the run in a primary or relief capacity. This will ensure that they can access the run data when using the ASTP Mobile App. And that their name will appear in the drop-down list on the contractor pay claim.
- Contractors are required to submit the Driver application/transfer and update of details (PDF 204KB) form for their drivers.
- Please refer to the Driver application infographic (PDF 169.62KB) for assistance with completing the form.
- Drivers should not release students to an unauthorised person, not listed on the run card.
- If an unauthorised person meets the vehicle, please contact the program for advice on 1300 338 278.
- If a parent wishes to add additional approved persons or changes to their contact details, please ask them to email the information to the program so the details can be added to the Run Card.
- Parents and carers are provided a fact sheet on their responsibilities.
- Information is also available on the ASTP website.
- Contractors are encouraged to contact the program if they have concerns over parents or carers understanding their responsibilities.
- The Driver information package has been developed for contractors to use with their drivers and any subcontractors.
- The package provides information on disability, behaviour support and health care plans, de-escalating stressful situations and how to service students with disability.
- If contractors identify errors in school bell times, or no bell times are included on run cards – please email ASTP.
- The ASTP system is configured to the government school calendar and government school term dates. As a result, our run cards commence on Day 1 Term 1 for government schools.
- Although non-government schools may advise of their term dates, the program does not have the capacity to adjust run cards accordingly.
- If the run is to a non-government school, contractors should clarify the term start and end dates with the parents or school. Contractors should advise the ASTP on their pay claim and will be paid as appropriate.
- Students with diagnosed Anaphylaxis will have a Health Care Plan and an ATSO to provide supervision and administer the Adrenalin device (EpiPen).
- Drivers should immediately follow the procedures outlined in their First aid and CPR training.
- Drivers should not delay giving the student adrenaline by EpiPen.
- If the EpiPen is administered, an ambulance should be called immediately.
- The ASTP website has a resource page for all the forms and resources.
- Parents and school staff can request to view a drivers licence to verify their details and if comfortable, the driver can then present their licence to confirm.
- However, if the driver has concerns about sharing personal information, the driver, parent or staff member can contact ASTP on 1300 338 278 and the program will confirm their identity over the phone.
- Driver details, including phone number and address, appear on the run card which is provided to the school. Run Cards are not provided to families.
- The ASTP conducts two reviews of the Schedule of Rates per year as per clause 8 of the ASTP Agreement. These reviews are in line with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), All Groups Consumer Price Index (Sydney) quarterly index data variation. The rate increase considers industry cost increases, such as fuel and insurance, over the previous 6 months.