Kids in taxis

[CissyCharlton]

DS1 travels from school by a bus laid on by school. Amongst those who get off at his stop are three kids aged 4, 5 and 8. They are met by a taxi (different drivers every day) who then take them home (which is about five miles away). They don't have booster seats and I feel that if I didn't check, sometimes they'd be whizzed off without their seatbelts on. Often the taxi isn't there. I'm not happy and I think I should mention something to the school, but I just want to run it past you lot first.

sounds like a very odd and dangerous arrangement. Do talk to someone - I suspect the school might be a better bet if you've talked to the father and he thinks this is OK.

Sorry - x posts - didn't see part about both parents working FT. I've not long given up work because I couldn't get suitable child care arrangements. I'm sorry but these parents need to consider the safety of their children before they go out to work.

i would think that if taxis are booked for a pick up reglarly and the driver knows it is a child who will require a seat then surely its not classed as an 'emergency taxi journey?' If its a regular booking then surely the police will see its an arranged journey daily and not a one off.

DD1 goes to school by taxi. AFAIK, the taxi company are supposed to provide a booster if it is a regular journey, but since she came home without one one day (she's 5), I send her with one from home.

Cissy - why does the bus not take them home? Is it LEA transport?

As it's a private arrangement between the highly irresponsible parents I doubt the school could do anything. It's obviulsy not that serious a situation for SS to be made aware of, so I think the taxi firm, the CM or the parents are really the ones that need to be given a rocket up their arse told.

Why didn't my crossings out work?

Titch - you have to do each word individually I think!

Since it is a private arrangement with the parents and the taxi company, then I'd speak to the Mum and explain that the taxi is not always there to collect the children on time and is sometimes parked across the road waiting. I'd put it to her that if the taxi is not there, then you are waiting with the children until it arrives, because you are a bit worried about their safety and see what she says. I am a bit confused though - are the children not entitled to provided transport all the way home or is it a private school?

Parents pick up their children from a set route everyday and then take them home from that point onwards. It's great for me because we live on the road where the bus drops off.

I had a word with the driver of the bus this morning. I stuck to simply saying that I was concerned that the taxis often parked on the wrong side of the road, requiring the children to cross over to it. He will speak to the school. I think I'll leave it there for the time being and see what develops. If it isn't sorted, I'll either speak to the parents or go to the school.

Thanks for the comments and advice.

likethis-- did it work?