|
In February 2006 a Bolton parent contacted IPSEA for
advice on a letter she had received from the LEA which informed her that
transport to secondary school was only provide for children with physical
disabilities. IPSEA wrote to Bolton, challenging the legality of such a
policy:
Margaret Blenkinsop
Bolton Metro Education and Culture
PO Box 53
Paderborn House
Civic Centre
Bolton
Lancashire BL1
1JW
14.2.06
Dear Ms Blenkinson,
Home-school transport
We have had sight of a letter from your Authority to a parent
informing them that 'Transport to Secondary school will only be provided if a
child has a physical disability that prohibits independent travel.'
This seems to me to constitute a blanket policy which would
fetter your Authority's discretion when making decisions with regard to
transport for individuals with disabilities other than physical disabilities,
for example children with autism.
I would be grateful if you would confirm whether or not the
quote above accurately describes your Authority's policy.
Yours sincerely,
John Wright
for IPSEA
IPSEA received a reply from Bolton almost immediately, in a letter
dated 17.2.06, which included the re-assurance:
"The quote does not accurately describe the Authorities [sic]
transport policy, nor is it included in the Secondary Admissions Booklet that
is sent to parents."
IPSEA comments:
This prompt response was welcome, but it left
begging the question of how it could be that the Senior Clerical Officer for
SEN and Transport could have made such a 'mistake' in the first place; and, how
many other Bolton parents have been similarly misinformed.
|