Lancashire Labour group have grave concerns about a recent review ordered by the Conservative county council administration into the transport of our most vulnerable children who need to be transported from home to their education facilities.

During the review, Labour says LCC will not be considering:
* Parents work or other commitments.
* Attendance by siblings at other Schools.
* A journey from educational establishment to another.

Cllr Lorraine Beavers, Deputy Leader, said: "We are asking 'where is our empathy with these families?'

"Many parents, particularly those with health needs, disabilities themselves and single parents rely on the support this transport gives.

"The idea of giving children with Special Education Needs training to independently catch a bus is in theory a great idea, but the reality is there are many children with anxiety issues, social anxiety or vulnerable to bullying or simply not safe to be put into that position.

"Many children have 'invisible' conditions and it may not be obvious to other passengers that they are for example 'shouting' or displaying challenging behaviour.

She added: "The review document comments on 'pupils that are mobile' (under changes in the draft policy) which we believe is indication that that children with non-physical impairments are going to be treated differently than children with physical impairments.

"Those with neurodiversity conditions will be unfairly affected by this review.

"The offer of favourable mileage payments to parents who are willing to take their children to school favours those in a better economic position, who have their own transport and time to take their children to school and back.

"Specialist schools are rarely close to where you live and travelling to and from them will make it impossible for the parents to work or pick up siblings in mainstream setting.

"Most people have to work with many families have more than one child! You cannot be in two places at one time, but LCC have said it is not their concern.

"The Labour group is also concerned that that this consultation will be held over the holiday period when parents may be unaware of the review implications.

"We believe that it needs advertising widely so all the families of children with SEND who use the system can have their voices heard.

"Lancashire Labour Group will be fighting for the rights of our children with SEND to be able to access their schooling via appropriate transport to get them there safely," she concluded.