I am the parent of a wonderful 11-year-old girl who, like many other students at Lewis Girls Schools, is now grappling with the abrupt change in school transportation policy by the Caerphilly Council. My young daughter, who has ADHD and has never travelled on public transport alone, is now left to forage her way through complicated bus schedules and throngs of passengers just to access education. This situation is not only causing her immense anxiety but has also resulted in nights filled with tears and worry about getting on the wrong bus, or being late because we are the last stop on the route.

This heart-wrenching concern is shared by many parents residing in Llanbradach, UK. Our children's safety is being undermined by the Council's lack of provision for designated school transport – a provision that is essential for safeguarding these young students, who are expected to adapt to the challenges of public transport overnight. Furthermore, the additional costs for families are unbearable amid a harsh cost of living crisis.

We are not opposing cost-saving measures of the Council but insist that they should not be done at the expense of our children's safety and wellbeing. With the increasing instances of crime and the reality of overcapacity on public buses, it is unfair to assume that students can always secure a spot on these buses, let alone safely.

We implore the Council to rethink its decision. We ask that the Council recognise the unique challenges students and families are facing with this abrupt change and take immediate measures to ensure safe, reliable, and subsidised transportation for students attending Lewis Girls Schools. For the sake of our children's safety, wellbeing and continued access to education, we call for action now. Please sign this petition to support our cause.