Transport - anyone with experience of organising for reception child

[loueytb3]

I've got to fill in the forms to organise transport for DS1 (ASD) who will be starting school in September. His school is about a 30-40min drive away in rush hour. I've also got DS2 who will be starting at a different school (5 min away). I am struggling with the bit where it asks about whether he needs an escort/restraint as he is a runner and he has a huge fascination with vehicles and tries to get into the drivers seat if he sees an opportunity.

I think he definitely needs an escort if he is on a minibus but presumably if he were in a taxi (and was the only passenger) then the driver would act as the escort? He will try and get out of his car seat (5 point harness) if he thinks he can get into the drivers seat, He won't if there is someone there keeping an eye on him. We haven't gone down the restraint route yet because we are trying to deal with it behaviourally but we might have to by the time he starts school if we don't get anywhere soon. I'm not sure what to do about the form in the meantime as we have to fill it in now.

Also, is there a maximum time that a reception-aged child should be in transport to/from school? My worry is that because we live at the opposite end of the borough to the school, we will be first on the pickup list and he will be in a minibus for a long time. It also means getting breakfast down him is going to be an issue.

I am going to try and talk to parent partnership but I wondered if anyone else had any experience of this.

we have an escort besides the driver in a taxi and they are 4 children in the car. You have a strong case to get it if you have another DS starting school. There is no maximum time in our terms and conditions unfortunately and DS is first to be picked up and last one home but takes average 30 mins from home to school so I am happy with it.

I hope someone will come in and share the experience where DC is collected by mini bus, I dont know how escorts work there.

I've just organised dd3s transport for september when she's moving schools, will be y1. I was told that in our area they expect all children under 7 will require an escort.

I would fill in 'worst case scenario' about how DC will try and escape from seat belt/car seat if not supervised. You cannot really expect a driver to focus on driving the vehicle safely and supervise a child likely to take seatbelt off. Only parents are allowed to do that - but they are not paid employees so the same rules don't apply.If you think DC would be safer with an escort then ask for one. The LA should do a risk assessment of the journey based on the info you give them and they will decide if escort is needed. Our LA Transport dept employs a 'risk assessment officer' who writes a report on every child on SN transport.
DD didn't have an escort when she went in a taxi but she used to sit in front seat so driver could see her - but she doesn't have any behaviour issues - just needs someone to spot if she's having a seizure. When usual driver was off sick, replacement driver refused to do journey unaccompanied, so escort had to be put in vehicle.
Now DD is on a bus there is an escort to 8 children, who is responsible for ensuring safety of children during the journey.

Always think worst case scenario, I agree. Much easier to relax it later if you find it's not required. Taxis rarely have escorts IME but minibuses usually do.

even a taxi CAN have an escort as well as a driver if needed & most appropriate vehicle.

Thanks everyone, I'm pleased that we are not likely to have a battle about the escort. I hope he doesnt have an hour trip each way though.