Uk taxi to school withdrawal - Autism Spectrum Message Board

DannysMum · 06-13-2009, 01:44 PM

Hi!
I was wondering if anyone in the UK has had experience of the introduction of "Independent Travel training" for SEN students.
At the present time escorted taxi services to school are provided for autistic and other disabled children in our area.

I understand that transport officers at our county council are considering recommending withdrawal of these services for some children and instead to provide "Independent Travel Training".

The benefits they claim for this are: to improve the ability of students to access services and to reduce the funding requirement for local authorities.

I was wondering if anyone else in the UK has had any experience of this?

It concerns me as my little boy would be in danger if he had to make his own way to his autistic unit.

Thank you for your support.

visha · 06-14-2009, 07:18 AM

[QUOTE=DannysMum;4011399]Hi!
I was wondering if anyone in the UK has had experience of the introduction of "Independent Travel training" for SEN students.
At the present time escorted taxi services to school are provided for autistic and other disabled children in our area.

I understand that transport officers at our county council are considering recommending withdrawal of these services for some children and instead to provide "Independent Travel Training".

The benefits they claim for this are: to improve the ability of students to access services and to reduce the funding requirement for local authorities.

I was wondering if anyone else in the UK has had any experience of this?

It concerns me as my little boy would be in danger if he had to make his own way to his autistic unit.

Thank you for your support.

Hi Dannysmum,i haven't heard of "Independent Travel Training".For the past few years my child & other kids have been transported to their special needs school & back home by the council funded mini-bus.I belief the same applies to other "special needs children" who school out of Borough or live a certain distance away from their school.

Has your child got a 'Statement'?? If so then transport requirements should be included on it & you should seek legal advice.If not,it's still worth seeking legal advice and chat to autism support groups available to you?

DannysMum · 06-14-2009, 11:58 AM

Thanks Visha, good advice.
Yes, he does have a statement but it says nothing about his transport needs....so at the next review I shall bring this up with the school, they're very good and would probably put something in .
Thanks again.

By the way, i think this is worth everyone looking out for in the UK as councils are looking at how to make cuts in public spending and we are quite a small minority group and are quite vulnerable...just a thought...