Home to School transport not working

[Debs75]

DS 11 ASD is struggling with the transport to ans from school. At christmas they decided he couldn't go on the bus any more (he punched his escort) so he is now in a taxi. On Monday he kicked the window and it popped out. He is now suspended from transport for 2 days and I am taking him.
The transport team are doing a report regarding the helath and safety of his escort. They asked me as I didn't work could I or his dad be his escort and go with him in the taxi to and from school.
Does anyone do this and how does it work for you?

I don't have any advise but thought I'd bump this up for you.

I personally would say no to being teh escort as thats a dangerous road to go down. Them relying on you as unpaid help is not a good idea in case you do ever return to work or just need a break.

If he is able to strike out then he is insufficiently restrianed in the car and is in need to a specialist car harness; Crelling sell them. We used to use one and as long as you have the bit that goes across the chest then they are good and solid, albeit costly.

He did have a crelling harness which he could escape from and has grown out of. When he was on the bus they bought a 5 point harness for £140 but it won't fir in the taxi as you have to be able to lift the seat up to pass the straps underneath, this car has a fixed bench. i might work with a different car/taxi.

we got a letter from trsansport today and it states if he has another incident where they feel he is putting himself or the driver/escort at risk then they will no longer take him unless we can accompany him.

Before someone says we should transport him as we have a disability car we simply cannot afford to. It is a 14 mile round trip twice a day which is 140 miles a week which will put on an extra 10-15 in fuel costs.
Plus we have another daughter at school who needs picking up once a week, a toddler and I am pregnant and the long drive is playing havoc with my back.

I am not moaning here and trying to get out of it it is just logisticly very awkward. we can cope with the odd drop-offs as DP is not working but if he works how can I pick him up with 2 under 2

I'm in a very similar situation at the moment, my son has been 'banned' from transport for a few months now for hitting and kicking out. His school have been very helpful in trying to get him back on transport though, giving them advice on how to handle him. Transport are trying to find a solution so fingers crossed. We are picking him up and dropping him off at the moment but we are finding it logistically hard too. They have told me that they will pay my petrol if I do the school run but I really need him to get back on transport as it's about more than the money! I think I'd say no to being the escort if I were you as it will be very hard to get out of it if you start.

Debs its a long shot but can I suggest calling crelling for a chat? Theya re stunningly helpful and have seen it all before so you never know, they will ofetn have iodeas and bits that can help.

Debs theres a lady ehre whoc ant use transport and like MrsYamada she gets petrol. I appreciate its more complex than that though; actually I would read letter aloud to LEA over phone, point out that he has to get tos chool and enquire what their backup plan is. Dont sit about worrying, place the ball firmly back in their court and expect them to deal with it. I would suggest for a start that they need to find a taxi that can utilise his harness in oredr to not be creating a H&S risk to both the taxi users but himself.

We get petrol (or mileage or whatever) if we transport ourselves. Worth bugging the LEA. It will be cheaper for them to pay you than pay a taxi so I can't see why they would refuse?

I agree the problem with the crelling harnesses is they need to pass round/under the back of the relevant seat, it's a pita as increasing numbers of cars don't have that ability, in the back at least.

The money isn't an issue really, although it will be harder to find the extra £60 a month.

Will ask transport if it would be a good idea to put him in a taxi with seats so he could use the harness again.

DP has said if they really want him to escort him then he will we just don't know how it would work. If they employed him, or he had to do it as a volunteer.

can anyone help me with this one. child is statmented but doesnt go to school in the same borough,due to bulling in two schools they wanted him to go to,MP been to him nice man shame his letter did very little at all. Ive got G.O.S.H behind me klinefliters as well should i get legal aid and go to court ? iam asking for a taxi not from home but six miles away meeting them half way. help