If you're working with small children you should atleast try to appear approachable

[NotAMorningPersonThen]

NC for this as I frequently do if anything I post could be recognised.

DS started reception at his special needs school this September. Due to his needs he's eligible for travel assistance and the special needs bus picks up him, and his classmates, every morning and drops them off after school.

The chaperone appears to be in a permanently bad mood and so inpatient with the children. There is never a smile or so much as a "good morning mum/dad/DS" just a permanently fixed grumpy expression like she doesn't want to be there. No response whatsoever when I smile and thank her for bringing him home.

DH commented that DS looks so unhappy on the bus which made me feel so sad for him. He used to love going on his nursery bus as the driver was always kind and welcoming towards him and the others.

AIBU to think If you're working with small children you should atleast try to appear a bit approachable?

One of our bus escorts is like this in the special needs school I work in. She is actually amazing at her job, and the children really love her despite her seemingly tough shell. she puts up with nonsense you wouldn't believe on that bus and the stony face is a front so the kids toe the line. There have been some very timid children in the past who haven't liked her, and because we have multiple busses we usually just move them if possible, but shes on a bus with 13 kids (that's how many she has) jumping out their seats, kicking the backs of chairs, hitting each other, and causing what can only be described as a riot. Equally, we have another very laid back escort and more people have had to be moved off of her bus and on to the other one as they can't cope without the discipline! She doesn't usually hang around at pick ups and drop offs to chat, it's a quick wave, but she chats to the children when they're on the bus.

I'm not saying this is how your DC behaves, but its possible some of the other kids do and she's just trying to keep everyone safe?

Or maybe none of that is the case and she's just grumpy and has a bad attitude!

I wouldn't be happy with this at all and if that's what you can see, I'd be worried about what was happening when you weren't there. Unprofessional but also just unkind

Spinda like she's in the wrong job I would complain and also mention to the school as they may have noticed too

I did this job for several years, and had an absolute blast! I had a wonderful relationship with the kids, parents, teachers and my driver. So much love and laughter on our bus. I was actually asked by one set of parents to give respite care to their severely disabled child while they took the siblings on a skiing holiday (I've never been so exhausted in my life!!), which I did for several consecutive years. I then became a Special Needs TA, then an HLTA, and ended up teaching. But I'll never forget my little brood on the school bus!
How awful for the poor children on OP's child's bus, many children with special needs find transitions difficult, so it's extra important for them to feel nurtured on the journeys to and from scool.

Absolutely, OP.
Slightly different, but the TA in my DC's Reception class is so cold and unfriendly, with parents and children alike.
I don't understand why people choose to work with small people when they don't appear to like them!

Considering a lot of children with additional needs are anxious around school or are/become school refusers, the driver and chaperone should be as cheery as they can be (fake it if they are having a bad day, like everyone else does!) to make it as pleasant for the kids as they can! It’s better to prevent them hating getting on school transport than to end up having to persuade, bribe or force them on so they don’t miss school. Surely that’s just basic common sense? They just have training too. I could understand the odd “off” day, if she wasn’t feeling well it had family problems then she might struggle to be nice occasionally but overall she should be making an effort… she sounds horrible. Complain. I wouldn’t want to get on a bus with her!

I expect you’re right, she doesn’t want to be there.
complain.

I have worked as a teacher in a behaviour school and I know the importance of a happy morning routine. Most chaperones were happy and smiley with the children but I did have a few who clearly did not want to be there for whatever reason which then caused behaviors for the rest of the day. In some situations the chaperones may be dealing with more than they should (verbal or physical aggression from other children on the bus). Please make the council aware as even with teachers (and chaperones) raising concerns on transport it is parents who are listened to the most about issues. Maybe the chaperone is struggling with other children but doesn't want to say anything incase they get taken off that route!

When my son was younger and got transport I had time exactly when to put his uniform as if he was at home with it on for too long he'd strip off, and I'd end up with the bus there and having to get him dressed again. So sometimes they'd have to wait, if they were running late for example.

So both escorts and drivers need to be very patient and understanding people.

I would talk to the council.

Do you think she'd be made aware of who made the complaint? My only concern is that if she was told where it had come from she might take a particular dislike to us (or DS) and make things more difficult for him.

I don't think she'll be told it was you. It's likely you won't be the only parent to raise the issue!
I had to complain about an escort once (I contacted the school) - there was quite a serious issue - she was moved off the bus quickly, and no one ever mentioned it to me again or implied they knew I had raised a complaint.