CMs - Risk assessing a taxi taking mindees to school

[lollipopmother]

I have two siblings that are taken to school from my house by taxi, the mum has chosen the firm because they are all CRB checked and apparently she gets a text with the vehicle model and registration on it when it is dispatched.

When it comes I speak with the driver quickly and take a pic of the reg. plate for my records.

I feel that Ofsted will think that children (5y/o and 7y/o) taking a taxi unacompanied is bad practice but mum is happy with this so all I can do really is risk assess it surely?

What would you do?

Not sure what I would do in your position, but my DH used to be a taxi driver and was risk assessed by the council for the specific purpose of transporting young and vulnerable people to school. Perhaps this is the kind of service they are using. Just make sure you have it all in writing from the Mum.

Can I just ask if the taxi is arranged by the school / SS or the parents.

My feeling is that 5 and 7yr olds are very young to be out and about alone without someone who specifically knows them. How do they manage at drop off at school, I'm presuming that the taxi driver doesnt do a hand over to the teacher, what happens if they don't get to school, how long would it be before any one noticed the absence?
( you can tell I'm a worry all)
Also if you are happy to let this arrangement continue make sure you have specific written permission from parents, stating exactly the time, company using and the emergency proceedures of the taxi firm. I would also notify the school that this is their means of transport so that they are aware, just in case something goes wrong. Do the mindees have emergency contact details to carry with them, could you provide something to keep in their pocket / bag in case of an accident.

It's excellent that you are taking photo of reg, but personally I would worry too much and probably couldn't cope with the additional stress.

Is it a privately arranged taxi or a LEA arranged taxi? My DD1 goes to school by taxi (as most of the kids round here do) and is sometimes collected from or dropped off at the CM's house rather than my house if I'm not here.

Bramshott - It's just a regular taxi firm that the mum has decided to use, she spoke to a couple of firms and this was the one she chose based on the fact that they're CRB checked and she gets the vehicle details sent to her.

Atwork The taxi is arranged by the mum so I feel that if she's happy with doing that then really who am I to stop her? Personally I don't think I'd let my own DD do it but it is up to the mum I think, not me. The school are aware but I don't know exactly what the mum has said to them, whether she says what days the taxi will be dropping them off.

I can tell I need to have a proper document written with her consent on it, I've worried about it for a while hence why I made the thread - I should make a little card with my emergency details on too, good idea!