Children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are getting to and from school safely thanks to a dedicated team at Staffordshire County Council who work closely with transport providers.
The council's Home to School Transport team supports almost 2,700 pupils who rely on 1,006 specialist transport routes to around 276 schools. With specialist software used to plan the most efficient routes, the team works with over 270 taxi and transport companies, 2,580 drivers and 1,410 passenger assistants who support children on their journeys.
Transport providers go through a rigorous vetting process, while all drivers and passenger assistants go through enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
Drivers and assistants also receive regular face-to-face safeguarding and disability awareness training and a best-practice handbook before being issued with a valid ID badge. They must also sign up to a set of Terms and Conditions which include evidencing daily vehicle inspections, carrying ID among other requirements.
The team works closely with licensing agencies (which include district and borough councils, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to make sure contractors are meeting the council's strict requirements. Regular spot checks are also carried out on vehicles at schools to make sure they are safe, that drivers and passenger assistants are following procedures, and children are receiving the support they need during their journeys.
Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND at Staffordshire County Council, said:
For many children and young people with SEND, transport is an important part of their school day, and parents need to feel confident that their children are in safe hands.
Our Home to School Transport team works incredibly hard with transport providers and our partners to maintain the highest standards of safety and safeguarding. Through rigorous checks and working with partners, we are committed to ensuring every child can travel to and from school safely, comfortably and with the support they need."
Mr Faisal, from Flyaway Amber Travel Ltd, said:
Getting SEND children to and from school safely is extremely important to us and we take this responsibility very seriously.
For over 12 years, we have worked closely with the council to ensure that we consistently maintain the high standards required. Our drivers and passenger assistants receive full training from the Council and have specialist knowledge and experience in supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
Before every journey, our vehicles are thoroughly checked to ensure they are safe, clean, comfortable and suitable for the children in our care. We are proud of the trust placed in us by families and the Council, and we remain committed to providing a safe, reliable and caring transport service every day.”
The council’s Home to School Transport team also shares best practice with other local authorities, helping to raise standards across the sector and ensuring continuous improvement in the services provided to families.
