A Dundee father has described the difficulties in getting his young autistic son settled in school, after council chiefs cancelled his transport.
Wayne Bailey hit out after his son’s attainment and enjoyment of going to Morgan Academy was “greatly impacted” after the taxi service he took from his home in Fintry was cancelled.
His boy Brandon was diagnosed with autism in primary school and had originally been lined up to go to Braeview Academy.
Mr Bailly said following an incident in his son’s final year at primary school, Braeview said they would be unable to take Brandon into their school, something which Wayne accepted.
In Brandon’s first year at Morgan Academy, he was able to get a taxi, which ensured he arrived at school without the over-stimulation which affects him.
Wayne said Brandon’s grades had already started to slip because of the undue stress he was experiencing on his way to class.
He said: “We applied for transport last year and he was awarded it without a fuss, he got to know his taxi driver and the other kids he would travel with.
“It went amazingly well, he was coming along so well, he made friends and always wanted to tell us about his day.
“His bus is like a sardine tin, it really bothers him. The other morning I dropped him off, got within a foot of the bus and he ran off into the school without saying a word.
“I had to phone the school to confirm that he had went in and not just ran out the other side. All I want is an education for my son.”
Dundee City Council was asked whether cuts to its school travel budget was responsible for the decision to cancel Brandon’s taxis.
A spokesperson for Dundee City Council responded that the “home to school travel assistance policy” is on the council’s website and an appeals process is available.
