does anybodys dc get a taxi to school because the schools out of catchment area ?

[misstiredbuthappy]

My dc goes to a school out of our catchment area because there is no room in our local school. Anyway had a phonecal today from council saying that she could get a coucil paid for taxi next term. Does anybody elses dc ? Shes just turned 5 and im a bit nervous about her going in a taxi without an adult i know ( the other girl is 5 too) im feeling very anxious about it.

Dd never has had to but loads of kids round here do as the nearest school will be more than the 2 mile (or whatever it is now) distance. The taxi companies send the same driver most days and all drivers will be crb checked.

Ring the school and asks what happens at their end. Does a teacher meet them out the taxi? And in the afternoon are they taken to the taxi? Will you have to provide booster seat? Stuff like that.

Around 15% of our children come in by taxi. As there are so many of them they have a taxi mini bus but one or two come in a normal taxi. The taxi is driven by the same CRB cleared driver ( and in some cases has an escort although this is not usual-it depends on the children!) The taxi drops the children off at the front door where they are met by a member of staff. After school the children gather in Reception ( the younger ones are escorted there by the TA, the older ones amble along the corridor!) A member of staff counts them all in and checks if any are missing-because they are staying for clubs or are on holiday/have been picked up by a parent etc) and informs the taxi driver.
Children from Reception upwards use the service, the older ones look after the little ones and seem to have a great time with the driver!

My DS gets a taxi, and has done since he was 6. He gets a (variable) driver and one of two escorts that are really very good.

Tbh he is calmer travelling by taxi, because he doesn't panic about being late when he's with the 'professionals'!

Oh - and we've never had a problem with reliability.

Thsnk you everyone for commenting, how would I find out if there is going to be an escort? Would I ask school or council ? I know im being paranoid im probably just an overprotective mum

It would be the council who decides. Ours only provides an escort if a child has some specific difficulties ( Behavioural or SEN) that make travelling without an escort impossible. If your child has no such difficulties our council wouldn't provide an escort. Of course, yours may have different rules but it is worth asking.The school has no say ( although we do sometimes recommend that one might be necessary but they don't have to agree!)

DD1 has had a taxi (minibus) since she was 4.9. She goes to special school. Her bus has an escort because all the children have SN, though.

Thank you again. Feel much better now. Im a hit of a worrier. Before dd started school I was worried about her being on her own with strangers ( teachers lol) I think its because its always been just me and dd. Think I need to get a grip

My DD goes on a taxi-minibus every morning, she loves it! I had all the same reservations as you at the beginning, but it's been great. They have the same driver every day, who is a really nice guy. DD was really put out when I decided to drop her off myself one day last week as I had a rare day off - I'm 'boring' apparently, and the bus is 'really fun'! She's 5 btw.

Thanks ifeel much better now thank god for mumsnet only been in here a month an ive had so much good advice . At the minute im having to pay 16 pound a week for me and 8 pound for dd for the bus and its skinting me. So ill be 24 pound a week richer too.