SEND TAXI SCHOOL TRANSPORT: Industry expert calls for less focus on cost-cutting and more emphasis on quality
A leading figure in the field of Home to School Transport has called for less focus on cost-cutting when it comes to providing vital taxi services for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Jane Saggers, a veteran of the sector and founder of Spectrum Courses, is calling for significant changes in how councils approach these vital contracts.
Saggers, who has worked extensively on SEND transport across the UK, emphasised the value of skilled drivers and passenger assistants (PAs), describing them as “worth their weight in gold”. However, she criticised councils for prioritising cost over quality.
“Why some councils think opting for the cheapest service will deliver the best results beggars belief,” she stated. “Enabling the most vulnerable children to reach the classroom, which enables parents and carers to access their workplace, is crucial and shouldn't be about the cheapest option.”
According to Saggers, the increasing number of Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) highlights the growing need for tailored transport solutions. She expressed concern over councils cramming SEND pupils into larger vehicles in an attempt to reduce costs, arguing that this approach fails to meet individual needs.
“It's a complex sector, and in areas where a child-centred approach is adopted, these drivers and PAs are worth their weight in gold. Councils must balance the demands of the public purse with a greater understanding of the individual needs of the pupils in the vehicles,” Saggers added.
Her training company, Spectrum Courses, aims to improve standards and reduce incidents in the Home to School Transport sector. She advocates for nationally standardised training to ensure consistency and safety across the UK.
In a recent TaxiPoint article, light was shed on the mounting pressures faced by taxi operators in providing SEND transport. Unlike buses, taxis offer a bespoke service tailored to individual needs, with costs reflecting operational expenses such as fuel, maintenance, licensing, and insurance. These factors make taxi services inherently more expensive than public transport.
Despite this, many councils set rates for school transport contracts that fall below standard metered fares. For operators, accepting these rates during peak hours often means sacrificing profitability, leading some to abandon these contracts altogether. This trend risks leaving councils unable to meet their statutory obligations to provide school transport in some areas.
Saggers acknowledged the existence of poor practices within the sector, both among some operators and councils. However, she pointed out that the pandemic had driven greater compliance and understanding of the responsibilities involved.
“This work isn’t just about getting someone from A to B. When done well, it’s a rewarding and sustainable profession,” she said.
