William Eichler 04 July 2024

Council pays family £1,500 after school transport failure

Council pays family £1,500 after school transport failure  image
Image: alexfan32 / Shutterstock.com.

A family in Surrey has been paid £1,500 in compensation after the county council failed to provide school transport for a child with complicated medical needs.

An investigation by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman found that the child missed 27 days of school and special needs assistance, causing his mother and family ‘avoidable’ pain.

A spokesperson for the council apologised for any distress caused before adding that a lack of suitable providers meant that some children have had to ‘wait longer for appropriate arrangements than we would like.’

They added: ‘Whilst we always do our utmost to process home to school transport applications in a timely manner, we have seen a 64% increase in education, health and care needs assessment requests across Surrey since 2020, which has naturally had a knock on effect with a year on year increase in demand for Home to School Travel Assistance (HTSTA) (as many children and young people with an education, health and care plan require HTSTA). This has resulted in a predicted overspend for this service.’

The cost of school transport for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has increased from £727m in 2019 to £1.4bn in 2024.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Repairs Co-Ordinator

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Be the heart of our community - help us keep homes safe, warm and well-maintained.At the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), we believe th England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Museums Operations Manager

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band F, SCP26 - 31 (£36,124 - £40,476) per annum
Sandwell Museums is looking for an experienced and motivated Operations Manager Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Regulation and Compliance Assistant - WMF2056e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£31,067 - £31,586 pro rata
This is an exciting opportunity for you to join the Licensing Team within Westmorland and Furness Council Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Community Finance Officer - WMF2059e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£33,366 - £34,314
You will be working in a busy operational finance service Barrow in Furness, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Apprentice Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£7.55 per hour
Apprentice Teaching Assistants Temporary – 15 month Apprenticeship Contact Full Time – term time only plus 2 weeks £7.55 per hour Start Date
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner