Some Aylesbury families have been left scrambling to arrange alternative school transport at the start of the new term, after problems with a contracted provider disrupted services for SEND children.
Buckinghamshire Council has confirmed it's dealing with what it describes as a “localised issue” affecting school transport services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Parents in the Aylesbury area contacted Bucks Radio after their usual transport didn’t arrive — or in some cases, unsuitable vehicles were sent instead. One family reported that a taxi turned up without the necessary wheelchair access, leaving their child unable to travel.
The Council says the disruption is linked to problems with one of its contracted transport providers — and that only a small number of families are affected. See their full statement below.
One worried parent, Jenna Fenton, told Bucks Radio:
"My son has a rare life threatening condition that means he needs safe travel, a plan and people EpiPen trained. They tried to put my son in a taxi with none of this, which could have been detrimental to his health and well-being.
Luckily I stopped him going today but many poor families I have spoken to were not so lucky. Hopefully (the Council) have learned from this and it never ever happens again. Budget cuts to a much needed service for our vulnerable children have had devastating effects today".
In response to a request from Bucks Radio, Thomas Broom, Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
“Buckinghamshire Council is aware of a localised issue with one home to school transport provider which is affecting a small number of children in the Aylesbury area. The matter is being dealt with as a priority and new arrangements are set to be in place and communicated to families who are affected this week.
In the meantime, families impacted will need to make alternative arrangements to transport their children to and from school. We sincerely apologise for the frustration and disruption this has caused.
We would ask anyone who has been affected and has any further concerns to please get in touch with our Client Transport team".
The Council has said it will contact affected families directly as soon as alternative transport plans are confirmed.
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