School Taxi Service

[Meg888]

Hi, not sure where to put this but here goes.

My daughter attends a special school, and they have been teaching her independant travel to and from Dad's house but they've reported that she's months & months away from being ready and have suggested a taxi service in the meantime. The local authority have stated that the cost will have to be funded by us. I get the lower rate DLA for her for mobility, but if we have to pay £20+ per day for her taxi (for 3 days only when she's at Dads - I drive her on my days as my work hours are factored into this) could we get an increase maybe in the DLA? We both work full time, and share 50/50 custody - but Dad does not have transport and his working hours do not suit the school times - presently i'm helping out but I'm working through lunches/until late to make up for coming in late and running out again in the afternoon, it's not a practical solution and I'm under pressure from boss to sort or reduce my hours to suit. They've been great but they're patience is running out on me as I don't seem to have an end date it sight. TIA

[bednobs]

It seems unlikely - her needs have remained the same as they ever were, and certainly the same as when she receieved the award, which would have taken her actual needs into account. Does the school have any suggestions as to funding streams to enable her to attend?

[Meg888]

Hi Bednobs. No the school have done their bit by writing a detailed report on why they feel she cannot attend school alone, and they've sent this to the LA. There is a minibus route but it doesn't go near Dads house. This is 6th form education. She was in mainstream until this summer, and this school was a short walk from Dad's house, she always walked this with a group of girls, and became reliant on them for help crossing the road etc. Again, on my days I drove her (as I live 20+ miles from school/work/Dad - so my work hours have been fitted in around always being able to do this)