PCT - SEND Community

FYI- this is Derbyshire not the city

https://www.facebook.com/share/1D2uVTmGVL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Reform-led Derbyshire County Council have approved major changes to the authority’s home-to-school transport services despite strong objections from families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The overhaul will see changes including shared pick-up points replacing some door-to-door transport, increased charges and longer application times as the council says it aims to “modernise” an “outdated” system and encourage greater independence.

Around 500 families responded to the consultation, with many raising serious concerns about the impact the changes could have on vulnerable children and their families.

Claire Wright, who runs a support service based in Tupton for SEND families, Bridge and Bloom Inclusion, warned the proposals could have devastating consequences.

She said: “These changes risk increasing exclusion, stress, and inequality for Derbyshire’s most vulnerable children and families.

“Pick-up points are a disastrous idea and simply won’t work.

“Independence sounds positive and for some young people it absolutely is but independence has to be built safely and individually, not imposed because budgets are stretched.

“Policies often assume a level of family capacity that many SEND families simply don’t have.”

Many parents fear the changes could place additional pressure on already stretched families and make accessing education even more difficult for children with complex needs.

What could possibly go wrong with having a group of wheel chair users and disregulated children waiting together for a bus each morning 😳

We are lucky to have Dr Kathryn Whyte volunteering with our Pro Help Bank to provide free advice for parents through our Ask The Specialist Service. Parents of care experienced children and young people can book in to speak with Dr Kathryn via Teams. Disability Direct