We, the undersigned, call on the London Borough of Havering to urgently improve safeguarding for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) during school transport.

This petition follows a serious safeguarding concern involving a 13-year-old non-verbal autistic child with ADHD using Havering SEND transport. During a journey, it was reported that the escort removed the child’s ear defenders in response to behaviour when the child became distressed. The vehicle also had music playing, despite prior communication that this is a known sensory trigger for the child.

As a result, the child arrived home in a highly distressed and dysregulated state, displaying clear signs of sensory overload, including rocking and covering their ears. As the child is non-verbal, they are unable to explain what happened during the journey, leaving parents without clarity or reassurance.

This incident raises concerns about the level of understanding of autism, sensory needs, and safeguarding responsibilities during transport. Removing a child’s sensory support in this context may increase distress and place them at risk of harm.

We are therefore requesting that the Council:

• Install CCTV on all SEND transport vehicles to ensure accountability and transparency

• Introduce mandatory autism and sensory needs training for all escorts

• Prohibit the removal of essential sensory support aids (such as ear defenders) as a behavioural response

• Ensure individual needs (such as sensory triggers like music) are consistently followed

• Implement regular safeguarding audits of escorts and transport providers, including random reviews of CCTV footage

• Ensure all incidents are properly recorded, investigated, and communicated to parents

Children with SEND, particularly those who are non-verbal, are especially vulnerable and rely entirely on adults to keep them safe. Without appropriate monitoring, poor practice can go unseen and unchallenged.

We urge the London Borough of Havering to take immediate action to ensure all SEND transport is safe, appropriate, and fully accountable.