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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

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Original poster

Anyone used a taxi for school run?

14 replies

RockonTommy · 15/12/2009 14:00

My 12 year old son is getting a bit old for a nanny but needs to get to school and back as I am out of the house 8am-6pm. I wanted to ask if anyone has used a taxi company for the school run? The thought terrifies me but if you do a google search a lot of companies seem to offer the service. I'd love to hear if anyone has any experience. Is it safe?

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dmo · 15/12/2009 14:04

our school wont let us use a taxi check with school first my sons are 12 and 13 and if one has to be sent home from school a taxi is not an option

GypsyMoth · 15/12/2009 14:15

how can the school stipulate what mode of transport is used/who delivers the kids etc...

yes,if they are ill in school they need to be collected by a parent,but for everyday then its none of their businedss!1

my dad used to drive taxi's....and took many a child.

BradfordMum · 15/12/2009 15:48

Would he be coming home to an empty house?
Only you can decide if he's mature enough to cope, and there will be times when he's left at school as the taxi was running late/broke down/forgot.

Sally x

Original poster

RockonTommy · 15/12/2009 16:48

No my 15 year old daughter (and dog) would be there.

I was interested to get the experience of mums who have used taxis, particularly if the taxis run late or forget.

OP posts:

Millarkie · 15/12/2009 16:57

We have a taxi provided by the lea for the school run ( we are rural so taxi is in place of school bus). The taxi driver knows the children well and has never been late (although the firm has a contract with the lea so I guess they are very keen to keep it). Are you at all rural, could you ask round and see if any local taxi firms have similar contracts.. then they would be likely to have crb checked drivers and be used to the commitment of the school run.
In our case the children are at primary school so they get handed over by a member of staff to the taxi driver then met at our house by our au pair. With secondary school age children I guess they would need to be able to phone someone if the taxi didn't show.

Tizzyjacko · 15/12/2009 17:03

Same here Millarkie. Taxi took my DS to his special school 20 miles away. All part of the school day and much fun was had by all. I know it cost the Council a fortune though. You would want a contract which guarantees the same driver each time or one of a selected few and what about CRB checks and all that?

cat64 · 15/12/2009 17:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

londonmackem · 15/12/2009 17:10

My dad is a taxi driver with a company with the LA contract so CRB checked. He has a specific job that he does everyday with the same autistic boy ( and they both love it - the boy chooses the music!).
Talk to your LA and then just use the same company. Having worked in schools I don't see how they can say no taxis, as long as your child arrives I don't see why they should be bothered!

Original poster

RockonTommy · 15/12/2009 17:28

Thanks eveyone that's really helpful. I still thank a taxi will be cheaper than paying a nanny to drive him around. RoT

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LouHasSixWhiteBoomers · 15/12/2009 17:33

lots of kids at my charges schools get mini cabs home each day. Some from one side of London to the othe. No problems with any of them. Same driver each day too. They are quite strict with the kids so no nonsense allowed!!

easylife73 · 15/12/2009 18:01

Agree with londonmackem - my Dad is a taxi driver and they do loads of LEA work for either kids at special schools or kids who are in local authority care. My autistic stepson also goes by taxi to his special school everyt day.

Don't know about all areas, but my Dad recently had to do a 12 week evening course to register for this sort of thing, so all drivers are aware of special issues etc.

I also work at a secondary school, and know some kids come from outlying areas by taxi - if there is a problem then they can either call themselves or get the receptionist to chase the taxi for them.

Can't see why it would be a problem for a secondary aged kid - my Dad used to stick me in taxis all the time when I was a kid and that was before all the awareness of CRB and everything - if you go with the firm used and approved by the LEA you should be fine.

Blondeshavemorefun · 15/12/2009 18:11

yes friends children get picked up every wednesday in taxi - get the same driver which is nice

MrsWeasley · 15/12/2009 18:16

A friend of mine has a taxi to do the school runs but it is one arrange by the education authority. (Due to where they live they are able to get free transport but as a bus isnt an option they use a taxi. ) Its fine now but in the beginning it was a bit hit and miss due to taxi drivers not being able to find the house (rural area) but they have a regular morning driver now and its all working out nicely.

Check with the school or education Authority to see if they have a firm they use.

Hando · 15/12/2009 19:53

He's 12, so I'm assuming he is at secondary school? Does he need a lift to school? Can he not get on the bus or train?

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