Taxi drivers have to pass a knowledge test, BTECH or Level 2 Taxi drivers exam, safe guarding course, wheelchair training and enhanced DBS checks before a licence is given. And even then they can only drive an 8 seater passenger vehicle for Hire and Reward. Every Passenger Assistants and every adult travelling with children also need enhanced DBS checks. PA’s also have ongoing first aid training, British Sign Language training and safe guarding courses among others.
Sadly 100% definately not the case by my LA or Wales. Apart from DBS checks. first aid kit (no requirement for training). The PA needs no training you state other han a risk assessment. Nearly forgot to add new taxi from 2017 needed to take an SQA, although not mandatory for existing drivers. What you suggest sound very similar to what the LA’s own transport operators need.
The needs of an escort in my LA are very similar to this I found frome Tameside.gov
https://www.tameside.gov.uk/InclusiveServices/Special-Educational-Needs-Transport-Escort-Guide
As for the rest of your comment I’m well aware of the requirements implications of a 16 seater hence the mention of 8 or 12 seater. However as a side not when I was 21 I did my class 1 to fill in during the days of from my 5 set shift pattern as a elecritian at michilin tyres in Stoke (to feed my car habit). Point I’m making although this license is long expired I would have no issue passing a PCV test. Having already already discussed along with other parents with the LA it would be £35 and £60 somethingSpecial Educational Needs Transport – Escort Guidelines (tameside.gov.uk)ending on the childs location. The LA is crying out for transport to and from her school. The sole reason being, every contracted taxi and escort is just and no different than your every Joe taxi driver. If it was as you suggested they all had those qualifications. I would expect the situation to be a whole lot better, but its simply not the case. I do believe the LA’s own transport used for day care etc operators/escorts need more training in line with what you mention. My mention of parents having more qualifications should have possibly read more understanding with their needs and on how to be with them.
There is alot gong on at the moment by myself, other parents and by the school. Another option under consideration is that the school take over school transport with their minibuses even driven by teachers or parents legaly brought onboard. This would have the advantage of providing additional funding to the school.
At the moment everything is up in the air due to the situation. My main goal is my daughter getting to school if soley to give us a break lol.
Thanks for your link re the pdg grant and I have asked, waiting on a reply whether direct payments here in Wales will provide what the pdg does. If so it sounds like way to go. Also mate I take it you are from Stoke going by the pdg link? My home town is Newcastle u Lyme and frquen visit to see my elder kids etc.