Here's how families of Sunderland children with disabilities will benefit from fleet of new buses
More children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can get transported from their front doors to schools thanks to a new service from a fleet of three minibuses.
Together for Children and Sunderland City Council have brought in the new fleet in response to the growing demand for increased wheelchair-capable transport, helping ensure more young people with mobility needs can travel safely and comfortably to and from school.
The minibuses were also introduced after listening to TfC’s SEND Stars participation group which is made up of young people in the city with SEND to provide a platform them to be heard.
Each minibus offers up to 17 seats, with two of the vehicles fully wheelchair accessible with the new fleet easing the pressure on external operators who currently provide SEND transport.
The City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Child Poverty and Skills, Councillor Michael Butler said: "I am very pleased to report the buses are proving a great success. Like authorities across the country, we have a duty to assist on travel to school arrangements for SEND pupils.
"This investment is about improving accessibility, reducing stress for families, and ensuring every child can get to school safely and comfortably."
As pupils travel together for their school run, the buses help promote inclusion with the children able to interact together. The buses have also been used for school trips, games, activities and half-term events.
Following the launch, plans to expand the scheme with more minibuses for schools and local organisations are being prepared.
TfC's Director of Education Kimberley Richardson said: "Our investment in the buses represents a major step forward in delivering safe, reliable, and inclusive travel for children and young people with SEND.
"Alongside increased transport capacity, the scheme offers a more environmentally friendly solution, reducing individual journeys and the need for individual vehicles.
"We have plans to increase the number of SEND buses and very pleased to have been receiving good feedback from local organisations, schools, young people, parents and carers."
Colin Dagg, Director of Keep Active and one of the drivers, said: "We’ve had very good feedback about the bus and the service we provide.
“It's helping Keep Active to provide transport to and from our activities during the holidays and afterschool, which has been great in increasing access for young people who may have previously struggled to attend our sessions."
Currently, around 1,300 children per day use travel assistance within Sunderland. As SEND numbers continue to rise, “demand for accessible transport is greater than ever”. The three buses - two Mercedes Sprinters and a Ford Transit - cost £165,000.