Essex SEN Transport to School & Post 16 SEN Transport to College Policy and Interpretation of

Dear Sir or Madam,

I would like, please:

Re: Essex Special Educational Needs School Transport, and Post-16
Special Educational Needs College Transport, as it is applied to
pupils /students with Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism or
other autism spectrum disorders:

(Transport to (even SEN) school, and to post-16 college (even where
a child's school only takes a child up to age 16, and they have no
choice but to travel outside of the area) in Essex has to be fought
for by parents of children with Asperger Syndrome or High
Functioning Autism or other ASDs. It seems often to be impossible
to get. This can compromise the young people's immediate education,
mental health, well being, future life chances etc. They have a
disability, but yet another obstacle is placed between them and
achieving their education.

Please would you send me a copy of the latest:

1. The Policy(ies), & / or Rules, re the above:
2. The Application forms,
3. and a copy of any Guidelines or Rules used to INTERPRET / APPLY
these policies or rules, both formal and informal?
4. Does the ability to apply discretion to cases exist?

Number three is especially important.

5. Who draws up the policy, and who drew up the guidelines for
interpretation of the policy? Who is ultimately responsible in
Essex CC for the policy and it's interpretation and application?

6. What knowledge / information / expertise about autism and the
impact of autism (including Asperger Syndrome and HF autism on a
child informs the policy and guidelines for interpretation /
application of policy?

7. In the light of new understanding and legislation re autism
(including Asperger Syndrome and HF autism) is the policy to
change? Details please.

In addition; Please:

8. How many applications for school transport (including all school
types) were made over the last ten years re those with autism
(including Aspergers Syndrome and High Functioning Autism.) How
many were turned down?
Please include a breakdown of exact condition / disability type on
autism spectrum and reasons for being turned down.

9. How many applications were made to Essex County Council Post-16
Transport to college department for students with autism (including
Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism) and how many were
turned down?
Please include a breakdown re exact copndition / disability type.

10. As diagnosis is seemingly still so difficult to obtain in
Essex, and this allows further students to slip through the net re
educational and associated provision, what steps are Essex CC (in
conjunction with NHS and Social Services, as necessary) taking to
make diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome / High Functioning Autism more
readily available?

11. Are there any comments as to why is is impossible to get help
with transport for such children / students?

12. How can parents appeal? How many parents have appealed in the
last 10 years, and how many were unsuccessful?

13. What input / experience / expertise have parents had on the
above-mentioned policy, and on the guidelines (formal or informal,
official or unofficial) as to the application of the policy?

Thank you very much,

Yours faithfully,

Pat Smith

Dear Sir or Madam,
Please see initial request. Question 9.
Applications for Post-16 SEN transport to college re those with
Aspergers / High Functioning autism / ASDs. I would also like the
REASONS why applications were turned down.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,

Pat Smith

Dear Sir or Madam,

Last week I heard of yet another young person with Asperger
Syndrome - who had secured a place at college - and was all geared
up to go, being unable to take up the place because he was refused
transport.

I would like the break down of figures to include all SENS as a
comparision please.

Thank you,

Yours faithfully,

Pat Smith

Dear Your Right To Know,

I added a couple of clarifications to my request for information,
but even so, I should have thought that some sort of reply should
have been received by now.

By law, Essex County Council should have answered my request
promptly. They have given no legal reason(s)why they need extra
time (more details). I understand that they are breaking the law to
have not replied by 9 December 2009.

Yours sincerely,

Pat Smith

Dear Have Your Say SCF,

Thank you, but I am not - at all - happy with your response which
contains no information or basic statistics regarding the overall
situation at all.
It has taken all this time - for what?

Surely a whole department (Essex Post 16 College Transport) must
have some basic statistics relating to its responsibilities and
operations, somewhere? Numbers of application, broken down by
types, etc. How many rejected applications. Etc.
Without overall statistics, how does it then budget, deal with and
prioritise applications, monitor efficiency and effectiveness, or
plan for future need? How does it self monitor for disability
discrimination?
How does it report to more senior managers, without statistics?

(The Get on the Move Essex Transport website now seems to have Got
on the Move and Gone, itself.)

You say that you cannot answer my request because; "each student's
request is dealt
with on an individual basis". It is obvious to anyone reading my
request that I am not even asking for such personal individual
information. Why would I?

The phrase "each student's request is dealt
with on an individual basis" is besides the point, and appears to
be a diversionary tactic, a complete cop-out from providing even
basic statistics.

It is a phrase that I have heard this particular department wheel
out before, when they do not want to answer any questions.

I have asked for overall statistics. The sort of basic statistics
which any organisation worth its salt should keep.

There MUST be documents relating to e.g.: the policy, the way
policy is to be interpreted / applied, the annual budget for Essex
student SEN transport, the protocol / process, how students are
considered, about how discretion can be applied and under what sort
of circumstances, about the way different SENs / conditions would
render a student eligible for transport help.

I do not accept that such documents do not exist somewhere. I do
not accept that this department can operate in a seeming complete
vacuum.

My (quite reasonable) request has not been answered in any shape or
form.

The phrase "each student's request is dealt
with on an individual basis" as used here, is utterly meaningless
if used with no context. It is just a phrase to hide behind.

I would like to ask an additional question, please: What training
do the officers in that department actually have in special
educational needs / disability, particularly autism / ASDs? How do
they monitor themselves re: disability discrimination?

Yours sincerely,

Pat Smith

http://www.essexcc.gov.uk/vip8/ecc/ECCWe...

Dear Essex County Council,

My request for statistics / information (please see details via
link below) was rejected with words to the effect that each case is
dealt with on an individual basis, which is not the point.

Please pass this on to the person who conducts Freedom of
Information reviews.

I am writing to request an internal review of Essex County
Council's handling of my FOI request 'Essex SEN Transport to School
& Post 16 SEN Transport to College Policy and Interpretation of'.

Please see my request via the link below. A full history of my FOI
request and all correspondence is available on the Internet at this
address:
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/es...

Yours faithfully,

Pat Smith

Dear Essex County Council,

I just wanted to add: Essex County Council Education, including
Essex Education Parent Partnership, stress that they are "autism /
Asperger / ASDs aware".

In the context of a recent meeting with Essex Parent Partnership,
specifically on the subject of those pupils / students / young
people with Aspergers in Education in Essex; those present were
asked the specific question about Essex Post-16 SEN Transport to
college for those with Aspergers / ASDs / HF autism.

Those at the meeting were told by the Essex Member CC present that
transport for the above young people " ... is the reponsibility of
the parents".

Is this official Essex Post-16 SEN College Transport policy? That
those with ASDS are to be excluded from receiving help with
transport when they try to complete their education / make up for
their previous lack of access to education in mainstream schools?

On what expertise / advice / information about Asperger Syndrome /
ASDs / HF autism is this view / decision(?) based?

Travel Training is "offered" to parents as the alternative, but for
many young people with ASDs, the world of college, the changes, the
work deadlines, the crowds of people at college, the assaults on
their sense etc. are enough to cope with, without the added stress
of having to have travel training, to use public transport.

Please bear in mind:

Mainstream school is an extremely stressful environment for those
with ASDs. Many with Aspergers have a patchy education already,
because of time spent out of school. The mainstream school
environment can cause mental health issues. Many young people with
Aspergers have suicidal thoughts - even as early as junior school.
They desperately need their path to access their GCSEs and A levels
to be as obstacle-free as possible. Those who could not cope in
mainstream school,and who had to transfer to MLD school - (even
thought they are bright, there is no other form of provision for
them. If they cannot cope in mainstream there is nothing else) -
where an MLD school may only go up to age 16, have NO CHOICE post
16, (having had no access to GCSE courses), but to travel to
college, just to acces the basic secondary age education that their
mainstream peers can take for granted.

Essex Post 16 SEN College Transport Department seem unable to use
any discretion, stick rigidly to the rules, e.g.: re: the age
cut-off point. Those with Aspergers very often have a delayed or
incomplete education through no fault of their own (lack of
provision and understanding of their difficulties in many
mainstream schools). It is also a developmental delay. so how do
you assess mental age / development?

Some Essex County Councillors (responsible for the policy?) and
Essex C Council officers and Essex CC Post 16 SEN College
Transport, (who administer and interpret the policy), in
contradiction to their claim, would appear not to be autism /
Asperger HF autism aware / friendly.

Thank you,

Yours faithfully,

Pat Smith

Dear Darren Sewell Customer Care Officer P&S SCF,

Thank you for your response, but it tells me absolutely nothing
new, so I remain unhappy.

Of course I do not expect Essex CC to say anything about individual
cases, but the Essex Post-16 Transport department must have general
statistics relating to its operations, about numbers of cases
applying and number of cases turned down, and reasons for this.
(Please see my original questions.)

Are such basic operational statistics TOP SECRET?
I can only deduce that they must confirm a truth that Essex doesn't
want us to know - that children with Asperger Syndrome / HF Autism
/ ASDs, are not considered eligible for Post-16 Transport to
College, and that parents are, as PART of the application process,
expected to go to appeal. Or why else is information about going to
appeal made more available than other information?

This is not what an appeal process should be for. It should not be
used as a matter of course for gatekeeping purposes, for putting
parents off the whole process, but for dealing with ISOLATED cases
/ disputes.

Can you kindly convince me otherwise?

I see your response as general and evasive, which just reinforces
our experiences of this particular department.

I look forward to a proper detailed response as soon as possible,
such as people are entitled to recieve under FOI.

I am therefore requesting an internal review.

Thank you,

Yours sincerely,

Pat Smith.

Dear Darren Sewell, Customer Care Officer P&S SCF,

Example emails (edited for confidentiality) between the Mum of
someone with Asperger Syndrome and Essex Post 16 Transport, (and VI
Form College).
Comment: Essex Post 16 Transport refuse to acknowledge the various
disabilities of and therefore the extreme vulnerability of a
student with AS and thus the fragility of their attendance at
college. Many students with Aspergers, although bright and wanting
to study, have to leave college or university early, and many
cannot work, as the work environment is too much for them, and
there is little informed and appropriate support. Such students are
chronically anxious. Life is often a white-knuckle ride for them.
It’s hard enough for them to cope at school, college, university,
without the added stress of travel by public transport. For Essex
to say that they cannot get transport help, but must do travel
training at the same time as having to cope with a new environment,
various deadlines, new courses of study, and crowds of people, plus
the overwhelming noises (sensory overload) etc. is beyond belief.
They need their way to be smoothed as much as possible, or
arrangements almost inevitably collapse.
If using public transport – it can stress them out so much that
they might even have to leave college ultimately. They find it
extremely difficult to cope with change or the unexpected.
This isn't an issue of intelligence levels, it's a mental health
issue.
It should also not be a matter - in the case of someone with AS -
of age (their education is often delayed because of problems coping
in mainstream schools, so that they are therefore older when they
go to college, but this is not their fault - but due to previous
long-term lack of support while “Included” in mainstream.)
It should not - in the case of someone with AS - be an issue of how
many hours that they are doing. They should be encouraged to be
independent and supported to do as much and the best that they can
at college etc. while they struggle with their hidden disability,
but not forced into doing too many subjects by trying to fulfil
Essex Transport to College criteria, and overloaded. Life will
never ever be easy for them in any case, they do not need these
further unnecessary obstacles, and to be excluded from accessing
the national curriculum, achieving their basic GCSEs and A levels,
by false criteria and petty unbending rules, which amount to
institutionalised, regularised discriminatory practises.
A form intended for those with SENs should surely be assessed with
discretion.
These autistic students appear to be penalised by rigid criteria
for the very nature of and effects of their disability and for a
lack of access to education / delayed education they have
previously suffered which is not their fault, but that of Essex
Education.
So they are denied education at every stage.

From: (Parent)
Sent:
To: SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS
Subject: Re: (Student): Post 16 Transport Policy
Dear SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS,
Re: (Student),
Thank you for your letter of 18.01.07. giving the reasons why you
have ceased (name of student)'s transport to college.
Unfortunately, although you say you had also attached the current
Post 16 Transport Policy to the letter, it was missing.
I would be grateful if you would send me a copy of this policy as
soon as possible, to (address) Thank you,
Yours sincerely, (Parent)

From: (Parent)
To: (Head of Learning Support at College)
Sent:
Subject: Fw: More information needed please
Dear (Head of Learning Support at College),
Re: (Student) Transport.
I will copy the letter I have received from (SchS Policy Officer
Post 16 Transport SIAS) to you.
(Student)'s transport was refused on grounds of age (which I have
disputed as .... was still 18 when .... began .... A levels,) also
on grounds which seem to depend on a definition of "guided learning
hours".
(SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS) says it has to be a
full time course funded by the Learning and Skills Council.
Full-time meaning: 450 guided learning hours, meaning a minimum of
12.50 hours per week.
(SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS) says that currently
(student) is only doing 7 hours and 15 minutes per week (is this
correct?)
I am hoping that (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS) can
clarify what is meant by this, especially where applied to a case
of SENs.
I also need to know who is required to deliver the guided learning,
does it have to be tutors, can it be by support staff. I only need
to know this because it may affect their definition. I don't know.
This is where I would be grateful for your help -
I need to find out whether or not, when (student) is in Learning
Plus, could this be defined as "guided learning hours". How long
she is in Learning Plus? What sort of help does she get there? From
whom?
Sorry about all this. (It might help others perhaps if we can
claify this.)
Thank you very much, (Parent).

From: (Parent)
Sent:
To: (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS)
Subject: Re: (Student)
Dear (Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS),
I have just managed to open the policy document. It seems that I
need a copy of the SEN Transport policy, as when (student) was at
the (name of MLD school), she had a statement.
Also, her DOB is 00.00.8…., which means she was still 18 when she
began her A levels last September.
Yours sincerely, (Parent)

" From: (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS)
To: (Parent)
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student)
Dear (Parent),
This is correct. However if the course changes then a reassessment
has to take place. Now (student) is on a part time course she does
not meet the requirements of the policy in order to be entitled. We
are investigating this on our side as well as we would like to help
(student) if we can, however we are restricted to a certain amount
by the policy.
(SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS)

From: (Parent)
To: (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS)
Sent:
Subject: More information needed please
Dear SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS,
I would be grateful for:
1. The contact details of the relevant section / department of the
Learning and Skills Council.
2. A definition of "guided learning" (hours), particularly where it
is applied to a case where there are special educational needs.
In addition, please clarify who set this criteria / defined these
terms, Essex CC or the Learning and Skills Council?
(Name of student) attends college every day and is studying 2 A
levels. She spends additional time in Learning Plus, where she is
further supported by (college) staff.
Please note my last email, (below) re: (student)'s age eligibility.
As I have said to Essex County Council before, the (MLD) School
only went up to age 16. At 16 she had no choice but to leave there.
This was not (student)'s fault. She had a statement of SEN while
there.
Yours sincerely, (Parent)

From: (Parent).
To: (Head of Learning Support at college)
Sent:
Subject: Fw: (Student)
Dear (Head of Learning Support at college),
I have just received this answer from (SchS Policy Officer Post 16
Transport SIAS) to my first email.
I am wondering if (student)'s attendance should be defined as "part
time"?
Maybe a defintion of this might help too.
Yours sincerely, (Name of student’s parent).

From: (Parent)
Sent:
To: SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS
Subject: Re: (Student) .
Dear (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS),
Please could you email me a copy of the SEN Post 16 Transport
Policy, as soon as possible, plus a copy of the guidelines that you
are required to use in order to interpret and apply it. Thank you.
Hopefully, in the name of humanity and common sense, some
discretion is allowed where it is hard to apply set general
guidelines to extremely particular and complex difficulties /
special educational needs.
In this case - the ever-present, intrinsic, devastating, many,
varied and inter-reacting (not to mention life-long) difficulties
associated with having Aspergers Syndrome. Chronic anxiety is just
one example.
Trying to deal with these difficulties on a daily basis then
affects the mental health and coping ability of the fragile and
thus highly vulnerable individual.
(Student) worked very hard last year. She is doing her very best
this year, given her Aspergers. I think she needs to be encouraged
in her admirable efforts, not have the carpet pulled out from under
her.
Thank you, Yours sincerely, (Parent)

From: (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education
Transport Entitlement Manager)
To: (Parent)
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student)
Dear Mrs (Parent),
As I said in my earlier mail we have been looking at other ways we
can assist (student) in getting to and from College since our
conversation last week. We have spoken to the college and they
cannot change her timetable to assist the transportation issue.
We are, however, willing to offer a compromise of sorts. We cannot
arrange transport to the times of (student’s) timetable. We can
however look at the existing taxi times and see if there is a best
fit to (student’s) timetable. If there is a vehicle in the area
anyway then we would allow (student) to travel as an exception to
the policy.
Obviously this could mean (student) would travel to and from
college at various times and may mean she is in college earlier or
later that her lessons begin or end. I am currently in the process
of confirming with the contractor the times the vehicle would be
available but if this is agreeable can you let me know.
I am going to make another referral for (student) to the Travel
Training programme. I feel it would be beneficial for (student) if
she knew the route from home to college and college to home so as
if she felt able from September she may be able to make her way to
and from college independently.
If you could let me know your decision about the suggestion above I
would be grateful. If you could let me know by Thursday then we may
be able to make arrangements from next week. If you have any
questions please give me a call on the number below.
Yours sincerely
SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS
Post 16 Policy Officer
Internal: External:

From: (Parent)
Sent:
To: SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS
Subject: Re: Transport compromise
Dear (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS),
Thank you for your email, and for the welcome offer of a
compromise.
(The possibility of (student) getting to college late for lessons
isn't that helpful though.)
I will need to talk to her about her timetable and reaction to this
offer etc. It will be up to her.
My response re travel training is that this would be just extra
stress for (student), something else for her to worry about.
In any case, M who used to work at Connexions did do a “dry run” of
the journey by public transport with (student) before she began at
college, and she ruled it out as being too much for (student) at
the time.
I will get back to you when I have done this.
Yours sincerely, (Parent)

From: (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education
Transport Entitlement Manager)
To: (Parent)
Sent:
Subject: Re: Transport compromise
Dear Mrs (Parent),
Perhaps my email has been misunderstood. (Student) would not be in
college late. There would be a possibility she would get to college
a lot earlier than her lessons began and be there later after her
lessons had finished.
I look forward to hearing from you with your response.
SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS
Post 16 Policy Officer
Internal: External:

From: (Head of Learning Support at college)
To: (Parent)
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student)
Dear (Parent),
Thank you for the emails sent today. I have requested information
on the definition of guided learning hours and it covers lectures,
supervised study and tutorial period. The learning must be
supervised by a member of staff and does not include general
support. At the moment (student) is doing - 7.75 hours which
includes a 1: 1 session in Learning Plus.
I have sought advice from Mrs (name) who organises the transport
for students at the college and the head of Student Services
(name). It is my understanding that as an exception the College
would provide (student) with a place on the college bus if she
could join the route at (Town).
As (student) is not considered full time (12 hours min.) she will
not be entitled to EMA payments which are often used by students to
assist with travel costs.
However, as (student) is in receipt of benefits she would not be
charged for the bus into College. I have spoken to (council) today
and they will be sending a form for a free bus pass which is not
linked to any educational study. This can be used throughout Essex
and may help with some of the costs. (Student) will need to get two
passport photographs.
In addition, her case is being discussed tomorrow. I stressed the
need to provide a course that was appropriate to (student)'s needs
and although no promises where made they have agreed to review the
help she receives.
Please contact me if you require further information.
Yours sincerely (Head of Learning Support at College)

From: (Parent)
Sent:
To: SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS
Subject: Re: Transport compromise
From: [email address]
Sent:
To: [email address]
Subject: Contact us form

This is a request to contact the below person

Name: (Parent)
Organisation: None
Job title: Mum
Email:
Phone:
Comments:
Please define "full time course of further education", and the term
"guided learning" (hours) as applied to the case of a young person
with special needs. In this case the young person in question has
Aspergers
Syndrome and cannot cope with more than 2 A levels at once.
(Problems of anxiety and organisation etc.) Also they have tutor
group time and time spent in Learning Plus (SEN support). Can this
to be factored into the calculation?

Other "ordinary" students do not have to spend time in Learning
Plus. Is there the possibility of discretion over how this
definition is applied e.g. to LEA transport policy?

Registered charity 282264
Company limited by guarantee; Registered in England and Wales
1548958

VAT registered

From: (Parent)
Sent:
To: S.C. Senior Practitioner
Subject: Fw: (name of student) .
Dear S,
This is the latest from SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS
of Essex Post 16 Transport. At least they are now willing to offer
a compromise, instead of just saying that's it, no more transport.
I will get back in touch with them when I have discussed it with
(student).
Thanks for your help, Yours sincerely, (Parent).

From: (Parent)
Sent:
To: SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS
Subject: Re: (Student) . Transport compromise.
Dear (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS),
I spoke to Head of Learning Support at college last night, and
updated her on what had happened re the transport situation.
She said she will speak to you about it today, but I haven't heard
anything back yet.
I spoke to (student) tonight, and she seems OK with the idea of a
compromise, depending on how it actually works out. I hope we can
sort things out as soon as possible.
Thank you for trying to understand. Yours sincerely, (Parent) .

From: (Parent)
To: (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education Transport
Entitlement Manager)
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student):Transport compromise.
Dear SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS,
Did you contact Head of Learning Support at (college) after all?
(Student) has been told that her transport ceases on the 1st
February. I had thought you had said the 2nd?
What is happening? I would appreciate a speedy resolution to end to
all this stress and uncertainty.
Non-disabled youngsters (and their parents) do not have to go
through all this, they can study for their A levels at a local
school. Why should it be so very different and so very very
difficult for someone with a disability?
Thank you, Yours sincerely, (Parent)

From: (Head of Learning Support at College)
To: (Parent)
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student) Transport compromise.
I have contacted (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS) and
received a reply on Monday.
My understanding is that the taxi will continue as before. (SchS
Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS) or a colleague will be
confirming times with me today.
After reviewing the timetables of the two students who share the
taxi with (name of student) it appears that the taxi will arrive
and leave at the following times: Monday arrive - 9.00 leave 3.20
approx. Tuesday arrive - 9.00 leave 4.15 Wednesday arrive 9.00
leave 4.15 Thursday - (Student) is not in College Friday arrive
10.00 approx. leave 4.15.
If the times are any different from those stated above I will
inform (student). I hope this answers your concerns. Please let me
know if you require further information.
Yours sincerely, Head of Learning Support at college, Head of
Faculty Learning Support

From: SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education
Transport Entitlement Manager
To: (Parent)
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student): Transport compromise.
Dear Mrs (Parent),
I had requested transport finish on 2nd Feb. Is it because
(student) doesn't usually travel on a Friday and the taxi driver
has mentioned this to her? I have spoken to Head of Learning
Support at college (late yesterday) and am in the process of
finding out the times the taxi will be running so I could phone you
today to let you know. I will call you later on this afternoon.
SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS
Post 16 Policy Officer
Internal: External:

From: (Parent)
Sent:
To: SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS
Subject: Re: (Student): Transport compromise.
Dear (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS),
(Head of Learning Support at college) has emailed me. Please can
you confirm that a compromise has been confirmed and that the way
it will fit in will almost be as before?
This would be a huge relief, and if so, thank you.
Yours sincerely, (Name of student’s parent)

From: (Parent)
To: (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education Transport
Entitlement Manager)
Sent:
Subject: Re: Post 16 Ttransport Assistance forms
Dear SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS,
Thanks for your response, and for offering to post a form to me
(for student) to be able to attend college again next year).
I have downloaded the SEN form, hoping that's the right one.
Yours sincerely,
(Parent)

From: (Parent)
To: (Head of Learning Support at College)
Cc:
Sent:
Subject: (Student) Transport to college for next year
Dear (Head of Learning Support at college),
I hope you are well.
Thank you for all your help during the year. Thank you also to your
colleagues. (Student) was quite sad on the last day of the college
year, as she says she will miss it over the next 10 weeks or so!)
I'm sorry to bother you with this.
Would it be possible for you to write a letter in support of
(Student)'s transport application for next year at college please?
I would be very grateful. I have to send a letter in support of her
claim.
(Student)'s address:
Under Section 3 Special Transport Requirements on page 3 of the
application form:
I have written that she still needs a taxi to college because:
"Asperger Syndrome (autism) involves ever-present, intrinsic, many,
varied, devastating, inter-reacting (life-long) difficulties.
Dealing with these difficulties on a daily basis affects the mental
health, well-being and coping ability".
and
"Ever-present chronic anxiety. Liable to panic attacks - if the
unexpected happens / changes occur, or if likely to be made late
(miss a deadline etc) by a train or bus - for example which would
also affect ability to concentrate on college work. Phobias about
crowds and other people looking / staring or being too close.
Coping with college work and deadlines and the college environment
is already in itself a great deal for (name of student) to worry
about."
Many thanks,
Have a good summer holiday.
Yours sincerely, (Parent)
Would it be possible for you to send it to me please at:

From: (Head of Learning Support at College)
To: (Parent)
Cc:
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student) Transport to college 2007-8
Dear Mrs (Parent), Thank you for the emails. I will ensure that a
letter of support regarding transport is sent to you tomorrow. I
will phone you this evening to discuss what I think might arise.
Please can you let me know the name of the person that you have
been dealing with at ECC.
Yours sincerely, Head of Learning Support at college: Head of
Faculty Learning Support

From: (Parent)
To: Head of Learning Support at College
Sent: Friday, July 13, 2007 7:29 AM
Subject: Re: (Student) transport to college 2007-8
Hi (to Head of Learning Support at college),
Thanks for your response. (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport
SIAS) posted me a copy of the application form, but there have been
no discussions yet. I hope that there won't have to be. It was her
that I was in correspondence with last year.
These were her contact details on the bottom of her email to me
recently
“SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education Transport
Manager
Education Transport Manager, Schools, Children and Families
Internal:
External:
Passionate Responsive Inspirational Supportive Motivating

Yours sincerely, (Parent)

From: (Parent)
To: (Head of Learning Support at College)
Sent: Friday, July 13, 2007 3:21 PM
Subject: Re: (Student) Transport to college 2007-8
Hi (Head of Learning Support at College),
Thanks for your email. (Student) hopes to begin studying ……………. A
level too, so is that plus the ……….A level and General studies not
enough?
I would be grateful if you could write a letter.
Would you be sending it straight to Essex Transport? I'm not sure
whether to hang on to (Student’s) form till I receive the letter
from you, or whether I should say you are sending it separately and
straight to them. I don't want to miss their deadline.
Thanks for all your support.
All the best, (Parent)

From: (Head of Learning Support at College)
To: (Parent)
Sent: Friday, July 13, 2007 3:30 PM
Subject: Re: (Student) transport to college 2007-8

When is the deadline? I can get a letter to you by Monday.
Head of Learning Support at college
Head of Faculty Learning Support
College

From: (Parent)
To: (Head of Learning Support at College)
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student) Transport to college 2007-8
Dear (Head of Learning Support at college),
Sorry I didn't mean to alarm you!!! It's the 27th July. (But they
emphasise that any delay may mean that their response is delayed,
as forms take some time to process, apparently.)
Any time next week would therefore be fine!!
Thank you very much indeed, (Parent).

Letter

To: Name & Address

Dear Ms (Parent)

Transport Arrangements

This letter is in support of your application for your daughter’s
transport, to and from College.

(Student) will be continuing with A level studies in ………. and ………
at College next year. To be successful she will need to feel
confident about the travel arrangements to and from college.

I can confirm that (student) has Asperger’s Syndrome and when under
the pressure of study can find it very difficult to cope with
everyday tasks such using public transport. She has received
support throughout her studies and although becoming more
independent still requires guidance and encouragement to sustain
her commitment.

If you require further information please contact me at the
College. I will be on leave between 23rd July and 10th August.

Yours sincerely

Head of Learning Support at college
Head of Faculty of Learning Support

From: (Parent)
To: (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education Transport
Entitlement Manager)
Sent:
Subject: (Student) & transport to COLLEGE
Dear (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS),
Re: (Student) Address: ……..
“(Student)'s application for transport to College for the coming
academic year has been turned down. “
I do not understand this, as she will be studying 3 A levels. She
worked very hard this year and passed ........... and General
Studies AS levels, so will be doing the second year of these, and
is to start ........... A level in addition.
As you know (Student) has Asperger Syndrome. Am I required to set
out the associated difficulties and reasons why she needs transport
- again? It makes it very depressing for me to have to go through
the difficulties that she has yet again.
Please let me know ASAP (as you know college starts again very
soon) why exactly her transport has not been approved for this
year.
Thank you,
Yours sincerely, (Parent).

From: (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education
Transport Entitlement Manager)
To: (Parent)
Cc: SENAPS
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student) & transport to college,
Dear Mrs (Parent),
Thank you for your email. ………..
We have refused (student) transport for this academic year as her
course is not made up of enough hours to constitute a full time
course as outlined in our policy. Having spoken to College last
week, they informed me they have (student) timetabled to do 4 ½
hours of study per week. In order to constitute a full time course
and provide transport the course is required to be 12 hours per
week. I attach a copy of the letter I sent to you on 18th January
this year explaining the policy applying to (student).
In addition to this element of the Post 16 Transport Policy not
being met, (student) is also considered to be over age. We provide
transport for students up to the age of 19, or over 19 where they
continue to study on a course they commenced prior to their 19th
birthday. (Student) has changed elements of her course twice since
last September. We therefore cannot consider this to be a
continuation of a course.
(Student) has, as you know, travelled on an existing contract
vehicle since February this year as an exception to the Essex Post
16 SEN Transport Policy. This arrangement was agreed as there was
an Essex County Council contracted vehicle going to (college) with
other passengers from the ………. area. We allowed (student) to use
that vehicle at times that other students were travelling, as an
exception to our policy and to give you a chance to make other
arrangements should (student) carry on her study at college for
academic year 07/08. When the initial arrangement was made
(student) was considered not entitled to transport under our Post
16 Policy. We cannot continue last years arrangement for this
academic year as there is not a vehicle travelling to college from
this area.
Yours sincerely
SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS
Education Transport Entitlement Manager
Schools, Children and Families
Internal:
External:
Passionate Responsive Inspirational Supportive Motivating

From: (Parent)
To: (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education Transport
Entitlement Manager)
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student) & transport to COLLEGE
Dear (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS),
Thank you for setting out the reasons why (Student)'s college
transport has been refused.
1. “We have refused (name of student) transport for this academic
year as her course is not made up of enough hours to constitute a
full time course as outlined in our policy.”
As you should know, the very nature of (name of student)'s
disability, Asperger Syndrome, especially the anxiety that
accompainies it, and the inability to cope well with the pressure
of deadlines means that she cannot cope with the same amount of
work that a non-disabled person can. A levels are stressful for
anyone, let alone someone with Asperger Syndrome, with all that
that disability involves.
Are you applying the same criteria to (Student) that you do to a
non-disabled person? If so, this is clearly unfair.
I fail to see why Essex Education have a separate transport
application form for students with SENs, if they are only going to
apply the same criteria (and extremely rigidly) to the applicants
with SENs that they do to the non-disabled students.
The effect of this amounts to disability discrimination.
2. “In addition to this element of the Post 16 Transport Policy not
being met, (name of student) is also considered to be over age”.
It is adding insult to injury to say this. As I have said before,
the only reason that (student) is taking her A levels so late, is
entirely due to the utter dearth of help or understanding over many
years from Essex Education Department when she was of school age,
however much I begged or pleaded at that time for help so that she
could access an education at the usual time.
I wrote letter after letter, made phone call after phone call, I
could not have made her difficulties or needs any plainer. I
contacted everybody I could possibly think of for help.
I still have all my files, (about 6 lever arch files till when she
started at college). Would you like to see them?
So please do not blame me, or penalise (student) for something that
is absolutely not her fault. It is completely down to Essex LEA
that she is only able to take her A levels now, and nothing to do
with (student) or myself. Essex LEA knew her problems, yet they did
not provide an appropriate education for her at the proper time.
(How does Essex LEA provide for those with Asperger Syndrome even
now? Is it any better now? Are there special Asperger Units? No. )
Can those with AS get the support they need in senior schools?
Sometimes, not always, it is still down to luck re the particular
school.
How many children with Aspergers are still unable to cope with
primary or senior school and are currently out of school because
they cannot cope?
Many of those with Aspergers still experience the very same
problems - and get the very same level (or lack) of help.
I would be grateful if some compromise like the one you offered
last year could be worked out.
Thank you, Yours sincerely, (Parent).

From: (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education
Transport Entitlement Manager)
To: (Parent)
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student) & transport to college,
Dear Mrs (Parent),
Thank you for your email. As I stated in my first email, there is
no option to compromise for this academic year as there is no
transport in the area we could accommodate (student) within. Whilst
your points below have been considered, (student) is not entitled
to home to college transport due to the reasons outlined in my
first email. We are unable to provide transport for everyone. There
has to be policies and boundaries. Unfortunately (student) does not
fall within these for this academic year.
Last year it was mentioned that (student) has experience of using
public transport when she would leave college earlier than the taxi
arrived to pick her up? Is public transport an option for this
academic year? Due to her age (student) may be entitled to a
Concessionary Fares Pass, and therefore may be able to use the bus
to get to and from college. (Student)’s Local Council will issue
these passes. I would advise you to contact them for further
information if you feel this option is suitable.
I regret that I cannot be more helpful. However if you feel I can
provide you with further information then please do not hesitate to
contact me.

SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS
Education Transport Entitlement Manager, Schools, Children and
Families
Internal: External:

Passionate Responsive Inspirational Supportive Motivating

From: Another parent
To: Parent
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student) & transport to college
Hi (Parent),
The only way around the wording, is to suggest that although
(student) is not on a full time course, reasonable adjustments have
been made for her to access the college etc like she accessed
school, a reduced timetable allowing more time at college for
personal study and assistance with that - like when XYZ. goes into
sixth form he is only doing two a levels and some of the IB
programme, four is the norm, but would be too much but he needs
help at school in personal study, so if (student) was to arrange
tutorials which give her more time at college, they would have to
rethink their argument as they are making decisions on a blanket
policy.
Hope this helps? Love P xx

From: Parent
To: Another parent
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student) & transport to college
Hi P,
Thanks for your help. (Student) does spend quite a lot of time in
the Learning Plus dept. I don't know if they would count that. I
will have to get back to the college and see how many hours that
would add.
I hope all is well with you all, Thanks again, (Parent).

From: (Parent)
To: (Head of Learning Support at College)
Sent:
Subject: Fw: (Student) & transport to college
Dear (Head of Learning Support at college),
I hope that you had a good summer holiday.
Please see below. (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS ……..
) seems to think (student) is only doing four and a half hours each
week at college????
(Student) and I worked it out as 11 hours appx. at the moment. (It
apparently needs to be 12 hours per week to be viewed as
full-time.)
Could you please let me know how many hours she will be doing.
Taught time and support time.
"(Student) has changed elements of her course twice since last
September. We therefore cannot consider this to be a continuation
of a course."
I don't think it is accurate for them to say that (Student) has not
continued with her course - she did the usual spread of GCSEs, and
then chose the ones she wanted to do. She dropped some because she
was feeling under pressure of work. Do you think it is fair for
them to say this?
Many thanks, Yours sincerely, (Parent).

From: (Parent)
To: (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS, Education
Transport Entitlement Officer)
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student) & transport to college
Dear (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS),
I have just re-read your first email, (below) and you say that
(Student) is only studying for fours and a half hours per week.
This is inaccurate; she is doing at least twice this amount of
hours, as she is studying 3 A levels. Would you please let me know
who you spoke to at college?
How do you define a "course"? When students do GCSEs, they do a
mixture of subjects. When they continue on to A levels, they might
chose from these, and might add in other subjects too, or drop one
or two. This is fairly usual and reasonable. Surely it is about
choice and about learning one's strengths and interests.
So how can you say: "(Student) has changed elements of her course
twice since September. We therefore cannot consider this to be a
continuation of a course". I think this insistence is overly
pedantic and unreasonable.
You also say in your later email "There has to be policies and
boundaries". It depends on which policies and upon how such
policies and boundaries are interpreted and applied. Hopefully they
are interpreted in a reasonable manner, especially where vulnerable
young people are involved, who should be included and supported,
not excluded and rejected like this, at what feels like every
opportunity.
What is more important, following such rules and boundaries
inflexibly, or the future of a vulnerable young person who deserves
chances they have previously been denied (by Essex LEA) ?????
Despite her difficulties and all the many many set backs in trying
to get an education that would make many other people just give up,
(Student) is has worked hard to the best of her ability, and stayed
on at college. I feel most reasonable and understanding people
would think she is to be applauded, supported and encouraged.
If an outside objective observer were to look at the above, it
would appear to them that Essex Education Transport seems to be
actively aiming to put together a negative case against (Student).
She is to be doing her college hours over 4 day per week.
Yours sincerely, (Parent).

From: Head of Learning Support at college
To: Parent
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student) & transport to college
Dear (Parent),

I will check the precise number of hours on Monday. There may be a
problem with General Studies as students are only required to
attend one 45min session per week. As we are operating a new
timetable I will need to check. I agree that (student) may have
changed elements of the course but has not changed from A level.
(SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS) did not consult with
me regarding (student)'s transport.
I am happy to contact (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS)
if it will help.
Head of Learning Support at college: Head of Faculty Learning
Support

From: Parent
To: SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education Transport
Entitlement Manager
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student) & transport to college
Dear (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS),
The college inform me that they regard (student)'s course as a
continuation of A level study.
The timetable has only just been finalised, so to make a final
decision regarding transport before this seems rather hasty and
unfair. ( Parent).

From: Parent
To: SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education Transport
Entitlement Manager
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student) & transport to college
Dear (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS),
Re: (Student)'s hours and re "continuation of a course"
I would be grateful for a response as soon as possible to the
points I raised re the above reasons why (Student)'s transport to
college was not approved this year.
Thank you,
Yours sincerely, (Parent).

From: SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education
Transport Entitlement Manager
To: Parent
Sent:
Subject: Out of Office AutoReply: (Student) & transport to COLLEGE
I am out of the office on Tuesday 18th September. I will be
returning to the office on Wednesday 19th. I will be able to access
your email but may not be able to respond until I return to the
office.

In my absence please contact the following people
Travel Training -
Mainstream Transport -
Post 16 Transport -
Post 16 Transport Partnership -
Post 16 SEN Transport -
General Enquiries -
If your query is about an application you have made for home to
school/college transport for your child/client commencing September
2007 please contact 0845 603 2200 and they will be able to assist
you with your enquiry.

Thanks, SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS

From: Parent
To: SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education Transport
Entitlement Manager
Sent:
Subject: (Student): Continuation of A level course. 18 hours 55
minutes
Dear (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS),
(Student)'s timetable amounts to 18 hours 55 minutes.
The college regard her course as a continuation of A level study.
Yours sincerely, (Parent) .
Please respond as soon as possible, as college has started. Thank
you.

From: Parent
To: Head of Learning support at college
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student) & transport to college
Dear (Head of Learning Support at college),
Many thanks for letting me know. That's very helpful. (Student)
seems to be in two minds about it. I know she wants to be
independent. I also want her to be so. After all the years of
obstacles being in the way of her getting her education, I don't
want there to be any in her way till she (hopefully) finally gets
there.
As you probably have seen by know, she can change and be put off by
things quite easily. My feeling is; I just want to do all in my
power, clear her way, support her in getting her A levels, then she
can think about the independence bit after that. She can get
overwhelmed with too much at once.
Yours sincerely, (Parent).

From: SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education
Transport Entitlement Manager
To: Parent
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student): Continuation of A level course. 18 hours 55
minutes
Dear (Parent),
Please can you ask the college to forward a copy of her timetable
to me then I will consider.
SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS

From: Parent
To: Head of Learning Support at College
Sent:
Subject: Fw: (Student): Continuation of A level course. 18 hours 55
minutes
Dear (Head of Learning Support at college),
Would you be able to do this? (Please see below). I think (SchS
Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS) needs something official,
rather than me just writing it out myself for her.
I'm very grateful for your help re this matter.
Thank you, Yours sincerely, (Parent)

From: Head of Learning Support at College
To: Parent
Cc:
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student): Continuation of A level course. 18 hours 55
minutes

Dear (Parent) No problem at all I will send a copy tomorrow.
Regards Head of Learning Support at college
Head of Faculty Learning Support
College

From: Parent
To: SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education Transport
Entitlement Manager
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student): Continuation of A level course. 18 hours 55
minutes
Dear (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS),
Have you made a decision yet?
Thank you, Yours sincerely, (Parent)

From: SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education
Transport Entitlement Manager
To: Parent
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student) : Continuation of A level course. 18 hours
55 minutes
Hi (Parent),
I am sorry for the delay in responding to you. Have been
investigating the case. Will come back to you with a definitive
answer on Monday. Have one more person to consult and then I can
take a decision but unfortunately they are not back in the office
until Monday.

SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS
Education Transport Entitlement Manager
School Admissions and Transport
Telephone Internal
Passionate Responsive Inspirational Supportive Motivating

From: SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education
Transport Entitlement Manager
To: Parent
Cc:
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student): Continuation of A level course. 18 hours 55
minutes
Dear (Parent),
Thank you for your patience whilst I have been taking a decision
with regard to …. (student)’s, transport to college for academic
year 07/08.
I have looked at (student)’s case for transport provision and have
decided that the …. County Council is unable to provide assistance
for (student) to attend COLLEGE for this academic year. The reasons
for this are outlined below. I have also attached a copy of the
Post 16 Transport Policy for SEN students, as agreed by members of
the County Council, for your perusal.
I have looked at (student)’s application for transport assistance
for academic year 06/07 and note that she had opted to commence a
course of A Levels. The A Levels she originally chose were
considered to be the start of a course that she would complete over
2 years. However, over the last year (student) has changed her
course. For this academic year she is commencing a new A Level -
............ This is considered to be the start of a new course and
therefore as (student) is over the age of 19 and commencing a new
course the County Council is unable to provide transport
assistance.
In addition to the above (student) is now 20 and therefore cannot
be considered under the Post 16 Transport policy. Our policy is
clear that if a student is entitled to transport prior to the age
of 19 and continues on the same course when they pass the age of 19
they will be entitled to receive transport until the end of that
course. As (student) has changed her course for this academic year
and is now 20 the County Council cannot provide transport
assistance for her to attend college.
As you are aware transport was provided from February 2007 because
we were able to make an arrangement with a taxi company in the area
for (student) to travel at the times the other students from
(student)’s area were attending college. (Student) was not entitled
to assistance at this time, due to the change in her course.
Transport was provided purely as an exception to the policy. We are
unable to make this arrangement again for this academic year as
transport is not being provided from the area surrounding
(student)’s address.
As (student) is now over the age of 19 she is covered by our Adult
Social Care team who will provide an assessment to see whether
transport is essential for (student) to attend College. Their
number is 01245 434938.
I am sorry that we cannot be of further assistance with
transporting (student) to college. Should you have any questions or
require any further information please do not hesitate to contact
me on the number below.
Yours sincerely
SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS
Education Transport Entitlement Manager
School Admissions and Transport
Telephone Internal
Passionate Responsive Inspirational Supportive Motivating

From: Parent
To: SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education Transport
Entitlement Manager
Subject: Re: (Student): Continuation of A level course. 18 hours 55
minutes

Dear (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS),

Does the Education Department take special needs into account AT
ALL? We filled out the SEN Transport form for (student), so we
should therefore have justifiably had some expectation that SENs
are taken account of, and some discretion / common sense can be
applied. We might just as well have filled out the ordinary one,
for all the use an SEN one has been.

I have said before that because ECC did not provide an education at
the proper time for (student), that is why she is accessing her
education at a later stage. It is the FAULT of ESSEX CC. It is not
her fault, nor mine, that support was totally lacking for her in
mainstream school. Essex should be doubly ashamed of itself.

(Student) is continuing ........... A level, which she began last
year - this fits in with the Transport criteria. Why deliberately
pick on the one A level which she began this year (which you should
see as a positive thing to be encouraged) on which to base your
decision, and not ..........., which you could equally have done?
As I said it seems to me that Essex County Council is actively
looking for reasons to deny, rather than reasons to approve
transport help, and encourage a young person with SENs. This is
unacceptable.

(Student) started her ........... course when she was only just 19
- her birthday is on 16th Sept. In addition, she was ONLY JUST 20 -
by days - when she began at college this term.

Essex seems to be deliberately ignoring the points I have made. Is
this usual procedure now?

Is transport help not being provided from (student)'s area because
other students have been denied transport help too from that same
area? This would therefore not be a proper reason.

Yours sincerely, (Parent)

I do not know how Essex CC has the cheek to use these words below
every email it sends, especially where it denies yet another child
of support -
" Passionate Responsive Inspirational Supportive Motivating". These
words under such circumstances are hugely ironic, insulting and in
extremely poor taste. Yet ECC seems to be entirely and
inappropriately comfortable in using them.

From: (Parent)
To: SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education Transport
Entitlement Manager
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student): Continuation of A level course. 18 hours 55
minutes

Dear (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS),

Also ... one of the main points / criteria that you were using to
deny (student) transport to college, was re the hours re
(student)'s timetable. Now that I have gone to all the trouble (and
involving busy college staff) of showing you exactly how many hours
(student) is at college, this point now seems to have been
conveniently dropped from your "case" against (student).

Yours sincerely, (Parent).

From: (Parent)
To: SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education Transport
Entitlement Manager
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student): Continuation of A level course. 18 hours 55
minutes
Dear (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS),
The other thing is (please see previous responses to your email
below) that College began this year on 4th September 2007.
(Student) was required to go in on 14th Sept 2007, her birthday is
on 16th …., so she was still 19 years old this year when she began
the new term.
This means she was still 18 when she began her A level ...........
last year.
Yours sincerely, (Parent).
College term dates: (College web site address here.)

From: (Parent)
To: [email address]
Sent:
Subject: Post 16 College Transport
Dear "Get on the Move",
I would be grateful for the following information.
Has the college transport budget for students with SENs been cut
this year?
What was the budget last year, and what is the budget for this
year? Thank you.
Also, please could you send me a copy of the latest Post 16 SEN
Transport Policy.
Is there any discretion allowed when a decision is made?
What if your child passes all the criteria but is still refused
transport? Who can be appealed to?
Many thanks, (Parent).
http://www.getonthemove.org.uk/contact/c...

From: (Parent)
To: [email address]
Sent:
Subject: Definition of the criteria
Dear "Get on the Move",
I would be grateful if you could give me the definition of
"full-time course" when the young person involved has SENs. Is a
person with SENs supposed to be able to cope with what a mainstream
pupil does?
Could you also define "continuity" of the course, particularly when
a young person has SENs.
If a student changes their A level subjects (perhaps because of
their inability to cope because of their difficulty / SENs), but is
still doing 3 A levels, is this then not regarded as full-time
study / continuation of a course of study.
If due to Essex County Council not providing a proper education for
the young person at the proper time during the school years, thus
delaying their education, can Transport then say that the young
person is over age? Especially if the young person has had a 3 year
developmental delay, and still might have remaining areas where
they haven't caught up.
It seems to me that the same qualifying criteria for mainstream
students re transport to college are being applied to students with
SENs. Is this the case?
If so, why bother to have a separate SEN application form?
Thank you, Yours sincerely, (Parent) .

From: SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education
Transport Entitlement Manager
To: (Parent)
Sent:
Subject: Re: Definition of the criteria
Dear (Parent),
The emails for enquiries on the getonthemove website come directly
to me so I will include a response to your points when I respond to
your other emails.
SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS
Education Transport Entitlement Manager: School Admissions and
Transport
Telephone Internal
Passionate Responsive Inspirational Supportive Motivating

From: (Parent)
Sent:
To: SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education Transport
Entitlement Manager
Subject: Re: Definition of the criteria
Dear (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS),
The information and help on the web site should be impartial.
(Parent).

From: SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education
Transport Entitlement Manager
To: (Parent)
Sent:
Subject: Re: Definition of the criteria
Dear (Parent),
Many thanks for all your emails. I trust the below will answer all
the points you have raised and further explain the reasons we are
unable to assist (student) with her transport to and from college.
“(student) was required to go in on 14th September 2007, her
birthday is on 16th………, so she was still 19 years old this year
when she began the new term”.
Under the Essex Post 16 Mainstream and SEN policies (student) would
be considered to be over 19 when she becomes 19. For (student) this
was September 2006. Therefore if (student) changed her course after
the date of her 19th Birthday then she would not be entitled to
receive transport assistance. (Student) changed her course during
academic year 06/07 and was not entitled to receive free home to
college transport under our Education Transport Policy at that
point. We, however, gave her transport to the end of the academic
year as an exception to the policy on the basis that she travel at
the time of day that other students in the area traveled. The
application for this academic year cannot be agreed as (student) is
not entitled to transport, as she wasn’t in February 07………
… “Has the college transport budget for students with SEN been cut
this year? What was the budget last year and what is the budget
this year”
The budgets are set based on expenditure in the previous financial
year (April to April for ECC). Decisions on whether or not to
provide transport are not and never have been based on the budget.
They are based on entitlement under the criteria set out in the SEN
Post 16 Policy. If a student is entitled to transport then they are
entitled to transport whatever the cost is to the County Council.
“Is there any discretion allowed when a decision is made”
Decisions are made based on the information provided on the form at
the time of application. In (student)’s case, her application was
assessed and before a final decision was made the assessment team
spoke to me about the case to ensure her refusal was correct. I
agreed with the refusal on the grounds set out in this and my
previous emails. Where the assessor feels there is an issue that
could be considered an exception to any policy, the case will
always be referred to me before a final decision is made.
“What if your child (the student) passes all the criteria but is
still refused transport? Who can be appealed to?”
If a student applies and meets all the criteria, they would not be
refused. They would only be refused if they didn’t meet one or more
of the criteria set in order to be entitled. Where a student is
refused the appeal process is to fill out an exceptional
circumstances form and this is then considered by me as the manager
of the Education Transport Policy in Essex. All appeals are
considered in the first instance by me and if they are SEN Students
they are considered in conjunction with a manager within our
Special Educational Needs Team. In (student)’s case the SEN Manager
was consulted when the form was referred over following the initial
assessment, as stated above.
“What is the definition of a full time course?”
The Post 16 SEN Transport Policy for 2007/8 defines a full time
course as follows:
Full time Post 16 course of education
This is defined as a full time programme funded by the Learning and
Skills Council in a School Sixth Form, Further Education Unit or
College. This would require a programme with a minimum of 450
guided learning hours, which runs for a full academic year.
Assistance from the scheme is only available to provide a student
with transport from home to school or college. Assistance is not
available from the scheme for any other transport associated with
the course e.g. travel to work experience placements, educational
visits and other off site activities, which are the responsibility
of the school or college and the student. It may be possible to
apply for other forms of assistance and students should enquire at
the school or college they are attending.
“Could you also define continuity of the course, particularly when
a young person has SEN?”
To be entitled to transport in the second or subsequent year of a
course you must be continuing the course you began in the previous
academic year. Where the course has changed the application will be
reassessed under the criteria of the policy.
“If a student changes their A Level subjects (perhaps because of
their inability to cope because of their difficulty/SEN) but is
still doing three A Levels, is this not then regarded as a course
of full time study/continuation of a course”
When assessing a student for their transport entitlement, the
policy criteria are applied. Where a student might be considered as
an exception to this policy the case could be referred to me as the
Education Transport Manager to take a decision about whether to
entitle that student to transport. The issues above would be
considered with the correct supporting evidence. In (student)’s
case she does not meet the age criteria which are fundamental to
the policy. The issues you mention above would therefore be for
Social Care to consider in any assessment they may make with regard
to future support (student) may require, this would include
transport to college.
“The information and help on the website should be impartial”
The getonthemove website is funded and managed by the Post 16
Transport Partnership to give information to parents, students and
professionals about home to school or college transport for
students aged between 14 and 19. I manage the Post 16 Transport
Partnership and therefore any enquiries that are sent via the
website come to me to answer as the administrator of the website
and the person who develops and implements transport policies in
Essex for students aged between 5 and 19. The information that we
aim to provide is factual and timely.
The case still remains that Essex County Council are unable to
provide home to college transport assistance for your daughter
(name of student). I have contacted College who have informed me
that (student) has been attending her classes as timetabled.
I trust that the above answers all your points. However if you have
anything further to add please do not hesitate to contact me.
SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS
Education Transport Entitlement Manager: School Admissions and
Transport
Telephone Internal
Passionate Responsive Inspirational Supportive Motivating

From: (Parent)
To: SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education Transport
Entitlement Manager
Sent:
Subject: Re: Definition of the criteria
Dear (SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS),
Thank you for your response. There was no attachment at all this
time.
"Under the Essex Post 16 Mainstream and SEN policies (name of
student) would be considered to be over 19 when she becomes 19. For
(student) this was September 2006."
“When assessing a student for their transport entitlement, the
policy criteria are applied. Where a student might be considered as
an exception to this policy the case could be referred to me as the
Education Transport Manager to take a decision about whether to
entitle that student to transport. The issues above would be
considered with the correct supporting evidence. In (student)’s
case she does not meet the age criteria which are fundamental to
the policy.”
Again - (student)'s birthday is on ………, AFTER (albeit just after,
but still AFTER) the college term starts. So in Autumn 2006, she
was still 18 when college began. Therefore she was still under 19
at that time.
Where do you draw the line, date wise for all students?
“(Student) changed her course during academic year 06/07 and was
not entitled to receive free home to college transport under our
Education Transport Policy at that point. “
(Student) has not changed her course from A level study. Also Essex
appears to be judging her by mainstream student norms and
standards. This is unfair and discriminatory to someone who has
autistic difficulties.
“In (student)’s case the SEN Manager was consulted when the form
was referred over (?) following the initial assessment, as stated
above”.
Have you kept the SEN manager informed of the points I have since
raised?
I would be grateful if you would forward to me a copy of the
"exceptional circumstances" form.
Thank you. Yours sincerely, (Parent).

From: SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS Education
Transport Entitlement Manager
To: (Parent)
Sent:
Subject: Re: Definition of the criteria
Many thanks for your response Mrs (parent). Apologies for not
including the attachment. It is attached this time. Please click on
read only and it should open. It works on my computer within MS
Word. If you are still having difficulties opening the attachment
please let me know your address and I will send you a hard copy
along with the exceptional circumstances form.

SchS Policy Officer Post 16 Transport SIAS
Education Transport Entitlement Manager: School Admissions and
Transport
Telephone Internal
Passionate Responsive Inspirational Supportive Motivating

From: (Parent)
To: (Head of Learning Support at College)
Sent:
Subject: Re: (Student) - In confidence
Dear Head of Learning Support at college ,
Dear J,
(Long email here re student’s difficulties coping at college
because of their autism, and the associated anxiety and depression,
and explanation of how trying to cope was adversely affecting
student’s mental health, etc..)
Thanks, Yours sincerely, (Parent). "

Does Essex Post 16 SEN Transport to College mis-apply the same sort
of rigid criteria to ALL students with Asperger Syndrome?

Yours sincerely,

Pat Smith

Dear James,

Thank you for your response. I look forward to (hopefully)
receiving the information that I requested.

Yours sincerely,

Pat Smith

Dear Essex County Council,

Thank you for your response, but I STILL have not received the
information that was very clearly requested from you.

I would STILL like to know, how many transport to VI form college
applications were received by Essex Post-16 Student Transport
department?

How many were made on SEN forms?

Of these total SEN applications, how many were successful?

How many applications, of these, were from those with Autistic
Spectrum Conditions?

How many of the applications from those with ASCs were re those
with High Functioning autism or Asperger Syndrome?

How many applications for Post-16 Transport to V1 form college from
those with HF autism or Asperger syndrome were successful, of those
who applied?

Please remember that many with Aspergers / HF autism could not
always (and STILL cannot always) access an education to their
level, (because of being forcibly "Included" - and not being able
to cope in - mainstream schools - no other alternative educational
provision being available,) and that a lack of transport to VI form
college would consititute YET ANOTHER OBSTACLE to their achieving
any sort of basic ediucation (GCSEs, and A levels).

For many with Aspergers, being placed in mainstream school causes
mental health problems, and thoughts of suicide. This would be well
known to decision-makers by now in Essex County Council, yet these
young people are still being put through the education mill.

By talking about oxygen cylinders are you seeking to belittle the
needs of someone with autism?

This begs the question: What training has the Post-16 Transport to
College had re: autistic spectrum conditions?

Do they actually know what the needs of someone with autism might
be, and how "crippling" these difficulties are to their life and
life chances?

Maybe the assessment criteria needs to be changed to ensure that
those with hidden disabilies receive the help they need. Sometimes
criteria can be deliberately worded to exclude.

To repeat: What are the criteria? How are they applied?

How is this department monitored? What statistics are available on
their performance and how they operate? (Please see original
request.)

Thank you,

Yours sincerely,

Pat Smith

Dear Your Right To Know,

Re: "How many were made on Special Educational Need forms? Of these
total Special Educational need applications, how many were
successful? How many
applications, of these, were from those with Autistic Spectrum
Conditions?

We do not hold this information as it is not collected. Every
application is treated the same against our entitlement criteria.

How many of the applications from those with Autistic Spectrum
Conditions were re those with High Functioning autism or Asperger
Syndrome?

We do not hold this information as we do not ask parents to provide
this

How many applications for Post-16 Transport to V1 Form College from
those with High Functioning autism or asperger syndrome were
successful, of those who applied?

We do not hold this information as we do not ask parents to provide
this"

So, how do you actually practically assess the transport needs of a
young person with autism? How do you check that your systems and
criteria are helping the people who need to be helped?

I need to see a list of the actual practical criteria you would use
when assessing a child with a disability, particularly autism, when
you are looking at an application form and deciding who gets the
help, and who doesn't, and why.

I have not been provided with or directed to such a list.

There must either be something wrong with the criteria because of
the children with autism who are being refused help, (and no
discretion seemingly available either), or one could be forgiven
for suspecting a deliberate policy of ignoring the needs of those
with autism, or there is a lack of training in and understanding of
autism in the department.

What else might someone conclude?

Re: "Our assessment officers are more than aware of all conditions
that affect the children we transport. Where they are not aware of
a specific condition that we are made aware a student has, further
information is
sought from our officers within Special Educational Needs &
Children with Additional Needs."

What training in autistic spectrum disorders do the assessment
officers have? What training in autism do the officers within SENs
department who act as a second opinion have (which SENS department
- WHO are they?) The fact that children with autism are being
denied help with transport (in order to complete even their basic
education - GCSEs and A levels) would indicate a lack of
understanding and training in autism, and lack of understanding of
the sort of education history the child would have probably had in
the Essex Education system, and it's often negative effects on the
child, and this should be a cause of concern for Essex County
Council (disability discrimination).

Yours sincerely,

Pat Smith