In the heart of our close-knit community in Gawthorpe, Ossett, UK, we face a pressing issue that affects the life of a bright 9-year-old girl, Saadiya, who is wheelchair-bound. Every day, her mother must push her up steep hills to reach school, enduring harsh weather conditions, because their home is located just under the 2-mile transport assistance threshold. This barrier excludes Saadiya from receiving much-needed support from the council.

As a community known for its supportive nature, we take pride in uplifting each other and ensuring no one is left behind. Saadiya's story is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those with disabilities and the urgent need for more inclusive infrastructure and policies.

The council's current regulations overlook the unique challenges that steep terrain and adverse weather can impose on families with special needs. No parent should have to struggle to ensure their child’s access to education, particularly when that access is hindered by factors beyond their control.

We are calling on Wakefield council to revisit and revise its policies to allow for exceptions based on topographical and individual family circumstances, ensuring that children like Saadiya can safely and comfortably attend school. Practical solutions could include providing a specialised transport service or extending bus routes to accommodate families facing similar challenges.

With your support, we can urge the council to recognise the importance of an inclusive community where every child has equal access to education, regardless of their physical abilities or geographical hurdles. Let us come together to make a difference in Saadiya's life and for many others who find themselves in similar situations.

Please sign this petition to demand that Gawthorpes local authorities take immediate action to provide appropriate and accessible school transport options for Saadiya and others like her.