I am a single working mother and I have 3 children. One of my children has an EHCP and has SEN transport provided by Medway Council. Medway councils rules state that an adult has to be present when the child/young adult is collected and dropped off. I have been advised my Medway Councils SEN Transport that if a child has an EHCP then they always need an adult present. I have spoken with them and explained that their outdated rules are discriminatory towards children/young adults with an EHCP and are not letting us promote their independence. I have also explained that if my child wasn’t capable of opening the front door and letting himself in then it would be a different situation and they are tarring all children/young adults with the same brush. The taxi service they use also do not follow the rules and have very often dropped my child off and driven away before he’s got to the door. They have not waited for me to show I am present which is what they’re meant to do. On one occasion as I was driving home I saw the taxi driver that dropped my child home driving away from my home and had left him on his own. I have reported this to Medway council. I have video evidence on my ring doorbell. They have stated their rules are set and that’s it. They have spoken with the taxi firm who say they always abide by their rules. I have also explained that their rules are discriminatory to us single parents who struggle to get our children to school and have to work (especially in these current hard times). Medways answer to that was why don’t I take my child to and fro from school myself and they will pay my fuel money. (Which doesn’t cover the cost of the fuel rises). My child is missing a lot of education due to this as I cannot give up work just to be home for pick up and drop off (my child is a young adult). I have also got my local MP involved in this. But I shouldn’t have to fight for this. I know a lot of parents are in the same boat as me and are also struggling with Medway Councils rules. Please sign this petition and help me and other parents get the help we deserve. Our children are entitled to and deserve an education the same as every other child. Why should it be so hard. 

Thank you