Dudley mother's safeguarding fears over 'unacceptable' taxis taking disabled children to school

Kirsty, from Dudley, is worried for the welfare of her daughter, who has severe learning disabilities and behavioural issues, autism, sensory issues, and an eating disorder.

As a result of having another disabled child and needing to get to work, Kirsty, who did not want to provide her surname, relies on taxis provided by Dudley Council to get her child to school.

However, she is extremely concerned about a series of safeguarding issues concerning her daughter's transport, claiming that the taxi company taking her child to school refuses to use the harness she needs and did not provide her with a booster seat.

Kirsty told the Express & Star: "She doesn't understand that the seatbelt's there to keep her safe, so she gets her arms out. That's why she needs a Houdini Harness. Her risk assessment states that she should travel in this harness to keep her safe.

"I offered to supply a harness but the taxi company said no, because their staff don't have the training. I've also had to supply them with a car seat but she still isn't safe because she takes her arms out and they won't use the harness."

Kirsty also says that the taxis are regularly around 40 minutes late to pick her daughter up for school.