Education boss apologises after local pupils with additional needs left in lurch with no school transport

An education chief has apologised after children with additional support needs in East Dunbartonshire were left stranded without school transport as they returned to class yesterday (Wednesday).
Photograph Jamie Forbes 11.4.14 KIRKINTILLOCH. Merkland School.Photograph Jamie Forbes 11.4.14 KIRKINTILLOCH. Merkland School.
Photograph Jamie Forbes 11.4.14 KIRKINTILLOCH. Merkland School.

A member of staff at a local school had to pick up a 10-year-old boy when he was left in the lurch.

His mum told the Herald she and other parents had frantically tried to get through to East Dunbartonshire Council without success.

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Susan McGregor, who lives in Milngavie said if the school had not come to the rescue of her son Danny (10) he would not have made it to class. Danny now goes to Castlehill Primary School in Bearsden. He previously attended Merkland School.

Susan messaged the Herald on Tuesday night and said: “Left in lurch by East Dunbartonshire Council. Don’t know if my child’s taxi to school tomorrow is happening.

“These are taxis for additional needs children. I have no idea if my son will get to school tomorrow or not because I have not been informed along with multiple other parents. Total disgrace!!

“A lot of Merkland parents have been left in the lurch too.”

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She thanked the school on Wednesday, adding: “If it wasn’t for the school he wouldn’t have go there. They have been kind enough to offer to pick him up.”

Another parent said a taxi didn’t turn up for her daughter. When she contacted the company, she said she was told the contract had been cancelled.

The Herald contacted the council on Wednesday morning.

This afternoon (Thursday) Depute Chief Executive, Education, People & Business, Ann Davie said: “There have been some issues in relation to school transport and I am very sorry for the distress and inconvenience this has caused.

“The schools and council officers have been working together to ensure these issues are resolved as quickly as possible and are providing support required by the families affected.”

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