The primary teacher's union the INTO has called on the Government to provide escorts on school buses carrying very young children to and from school.
The union says not enough is being done to ensure that all children are safe on school buses.
The schools reopen on Monday and for many parents of very young children that means the resumption of journeys on buses with just a driver and no supervision.
Many parents have no choice but to use these buses because local schools are being housed in temporary accommodation several kilometres from their catchment areas.
Today, the INTO said the installation of seat belts counts for nothing unless adults are employed to make sure children wear them.
The union says it is not acceptable to expect a driver to be responsible for the behaviour and the safety of up to 50 infants as well as driving a bus.
The Department of Education says it does provide escorts on buses catering children with special needs. However, there are no plans currently to extend provision to all buses.
