School transport issues

[Userno3636273737273]

Genuinely curious, if your child has school transport with your LA, taxi or mini bus if there's problems with the school transport do you take them yourself (if you can!) or keep them off.

DS is mainstream secondary but has autism with complex needs and was granted (with a fight) a taxi to school, shared with a couple other children.

it had been going well until a couple weeks ago. But his usual drivers car is knackered and getting rid, the taxi company found a replacement driver but it was earlier morning pick ups and later pick ups in afternoon, then the taxi firm has had a bereavement (it's a family business) and now the weather has impacted their services. so we've been left in this awkward situation. School is open and expecting him in.

I've taken him myself a few times. Not ideal. I have a younger child with additional needs and a physical disability. Getting them both ready (when they are both anxious for school and often refusing to get dressed) early enough for the half hour drive, then finding a space, getting them out the car, him in (not just the case of dropping him off and going) and then back to DD's school.

the taxi was really helping his school anxiety. He knew it was coming and he had to get ready. He built a good relationship with his driver who will hopefully be back on the road soon - he is sub contracted but he taxi firm and there's no spare cars.

this week there's no available taxis to Thursday. I kept him off today because the roads were icy, rural and not gritted. Tempted to keep him off tomorrow too although tthe school aren't happy

the afternoons are worse, both my kids finish at the same time. Dd at our local school and DS half hour away. I can't be in 2 places at once. One of them has to finish early if I pick up which is not ideal.

do I think just screw it, least week of term they won't be doing much anyway!!

he gets very anxious at school this time of year being all out of routine mixed in with anxiety over the taxi.

do I just keep him Off?

I had to fight for the right transport. But if I keep doing the school runs the council will think I can do it and less likely to grant transport next year?

what if I didn't drive or didn't have a car?

I would email the LA’s Director of Children’s Services reminding them of their duty to provide transport. If the current taxi company cannot fulfil their contract the LA must arrange alternative arrangements. You do not need to transport DS unless you want to, and then you want mileage. The LA can’t say because you have provided transport now you can’t have transport itself next year, that would be unlawful.

Do you have transport for your younger DD?

Younger Dd goes to local village school which is just behind our house.

the taxi firm did sort out (with different timings) another taxi to take him but it was earlier in the mornings and we are already dealing with school anxiety and arriving at school earlier so having to wait around in the morning at school until registration and then having to wait until after school finishes to pick up.

I have took him a few times but finding it increasingly hard to practically be in 2 places at once. There's a massive diversion at the minute too.

You should still contact the LA’s Director of Children’s Services. Transport should be non-stressful, therefore if the current taxi provider cannot honour their contract the LA need to provide an alternative that isn’t so stressful.