Letter: It's wrong to target disabled students in council school transport cost-cutting

SIR – I am responding to the article concerning the home-to-school transport for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) (A&T, 28th January).

I think it is wrong to target this group when looking at cost cutting. The Hampshire County Council proposal suggests increasing the number of journeys and serving multiple schools.

These children do not usually have a choice but to attend a school some distance away. Added time to an already long day would result in very tired children who may then have poor concentration during lessons.

Sharing transport with pupils of all ages could result in more disruptive behaviour – for example, the use of inappropriate language and even abuse.

There would be increased pressure on parents due to additional stress of transporting a child to a central location and coping with a possibly exhausted child at the end of the day.

Every SEND child deserves to be able to get the best support to attend school regularly and get the most out of their education.

The consultation document is quick to complete so I hope those who share my concerns for these children will make their voices heard.

H Forbes,
New Milton