Special Needs School transport.

[ZainSam]

Hi all,

My son who has been diagnosed with Autism he is quite severe, non verbal and has sensory issues as well. He is due to start special school in September. We filled out forms for transport ( where they will pick him up from home n drop him back) and we thought we would get because of his condition.

Unfortunately we received a letter saying that instead of transport they will be providing a travel pass for him so that I can take him on public transport. He hates publics places due to noise, other people, anxiety and is unpredictable with his walking.

We have to appeal with 15 days! !!!

Has anyone been in a similar situation? Any advice please?

Thank you

[vjg13]

Appeal with as much evidence as you have to show why public transport is unsuitable. Letter from GP, Physio, any professionals involved. Does he have a blue badge or receive DLA? If so mention that too.

Our LA did this one year and only parents who appealed got home to school transport. It is a cost cutting excercise so that parents give up.

[elsaiscold]

Can I ask, how old is your son, how far away is school, in what circumstances was it decided he would attend this particular school. I recently won an appeal against my la who refused my request for transport. What reasons did they give in their response to your request?

[JudyCoolibar]

As a matter of law they can't assume that you will escort your son. The relevant bit of the statute says that they have to have your consent to any.escort arrangements. Tell them that you can't act as escort and it's obvious that he can't travel on his own, and point out that they will need to do a full risk assessment and probably provide two escorts if he travels by public transport.

It could be worth contacting SOS SEN for help.

[ZainSam]

Thank you all for your replies. My son is 4 years old...school is about 3 miles away (would have to catch two buses to get to the school). Whlist EHC was in process we are asked to give them a choice of three schools and we were offered out first choice. On the letter they sent their are no reason outlined just says "that they have undertaken an assessment in line with the councils home to school transport policy and are pleased to inform me that they will be offering a free travel pass to use on public transport."

[ZainSam]

I spoke to the SEN at the nursery he goes to they said it's ridiculous and that he should get transport. They got me in contact with SENDIASS who have said that the will do the appeal for me. So it's just a waiting game now I guess...thank you all for replies and help....really appreciate it :)

[JudyCoolibar]

If it's three miles away he's definitely entitled to transport, and it is indeed ridiculous to assume that a 4 year old child can travel to school on his own. If you don't win the appeal contact solicitors about judicial review.