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Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

Original poster

School transport?

8 replies

Marne · 04/09/2010 20:16

Hi, just looking for some advice.

As many of you know, we are moving house in a week or 2. Both the dd's will be still attending the school in the village we live in at the moment, this will be a 10-15 minute drive from the new house, dd1 is full time and dd2 is on half days until x-mas. This meens we have to drive back and forth 3 times a day. Dh is saying we can't aford to do this Sad, i don't want to move the dd's as dd2's SALT has advised us to keep her in the school she is in because its better for sn's. Dd1 is doing great at this school as they understand her needs (she has AS). Dd2 is also statemented and recieves 1:1 at the school.

Are we entitled to help towards traveling costs?, i'm not sure i would want dd2 going in a taxi (as she's so young and it would upset her if i'm not there to pick her up after school).

OP posts:
Lougle · 04/09/2010 20:31

Marne, I think your DD2 would be OK, because by naming her current school on the Statement of SEN, the LA have deemed that the nearest suitable school (there is recent tribunal case law for this). But if your older DD doesn't have a statement, then she will fail the test, because her school will not be the 'nearest suitable school' unless you can show that there are no places for a child in her year at the schools which are closer.

WRT travel costs, I think they would only offer transport. DD1 will be going in a people mover everyday Sad with an escort.

Lougle · 04/09/2010 20:36

You might get away with it marne, here is the page you need www.dorsetforyou.com/2484

Lougle · 04/09/2010 20:37

Actually, thinking about it, if your Paed or SALT could write in support, that might help.

Original poster
Marne · 04/09/2010 20:49

Thank you Lou, i have sent an e-mail to the School Admissions team. It is possible that there may not be any places for dd1 in the other school (fingers crossed), maybe i should be getting her statemented, i will talk to dd's teacher on monday as i'm sure they will back us up (they wont want dd1 to leave). I would be happy to send the dd's in a taxi in the mornings (they will be together) but would prefer it if i picked dd2 up (as she would get upset), dd1 would be happy to get a taxi home when dd2 is on half days.

Looks like we may have another fight on our hands (just as i thought we had nothing else left to fight for).

OP posts:
snowmash · 04/09/2010 21:50

When I was at secondary school, my NT dsis got to go in 'my' taxi under the extra places scheme (just in case that helps any).

mariagoretti · 04/09/2010 22:53

Can school be flexible about dc2's timetable? Eg early start to full time, or attending in a different pattern eg 3 full days not 5 half days. Obviously wd only work if she's able to cope with that.

borderslass · 04/09/2010 23:26

I now take my DS to his SN school as the council buggered up his taxi and I will be getting 36p a mile expenses when they get their finger out, but i've also had to have business use put on my insurance 'as it's coucil policy'

roundthebend4 · 05/09/2010 08:43

could be tricky on Monday i got to ds in a taxi with 2 other dc thats hardest thing im facing

But yes dd2 they might , mind also might be worth asking about petrol as for them would work out cheaper than taxi and escort for dd2

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