Essex SEND children in school taxis with untrained staff

Following Essex County Council’s decision to award a new contract to 24x7 Ltd for Lexden Springs Residential Special School in Colchester, parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) were concerned about the impact on their children.

Some families have reported no problems, but other parents say the passenger assistants (PAs) were untrained and that the company “not prepared” to deal with their children’s complex needs.

Emma Lubonski, whose seven-year-old daughter Rihanna is non-verbal and has complex needs, said her daughter escaped from her harness on three journeys to school, leaving her without restraints.

Child - Mum Emma Lubonski said her daughter Rihanna, who is non-verbal, escaped her harness on three occasions on the journey to school (Image: Emma Lubonski)

She said: "We live this day in day out with them, and we know what they need.

"Having a routine for them is really, really important – if you don’t follow that routine, you’re going to get dysregulation.

"We’re talking about the mental wellbeing of the children."

On one occasion, a taxi refused to take Rihanna home because she would not sit in her harness, which meant Mrs Lubonski had to collect her from school after collecting her other child from Mistley.

She said she now takes Rihanna to school herself.

"I can't have the anxiety every day when she's going out,” she said.

"I just feel let down. They're not treating the children with the dignity they deserve.

Another parent, who asked not to be named, said a taxi arrived 20 minutes late.

Change - Parents said neither they nor the school were consulted over the transport change (Image: Public)

She said the driver admitted he was nervous about transporting children with complex needs, which left her concerned for her child’s safety.

Another parent said repeated problems had forced her to take her son to school herself, making her late for work.

A spokesman for 24x7 said the company worked closely with Essex County Council and the school.

"Whilst we appreciate there may be some changes from previous years routing, our planning is done in line with ECC terms and conditions, along with agreement from the school,” they said.

Essex County Council said it is legally required to invite companies to bid for contracts once the previous term ends.

A council spokesman said: "We are committed to working with the new provider to ensure children, parents and the school continue to receive H2ST which meets our high standards."