Companies given new contracts for home to school transport
New contracts are being issued to transport firms to take children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to and from school.
Of the 19 firms that applied during a tender, nine companies will deliver transport across 16 contracts after meeting all the terms set out in the recent procurement process.
New drivers and passenger assistants will have undergone rigorous checks and safeguarding training, including an enhanced DBS check, before starting to take children to school in the new term.
Councillor Simon Hackett, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for children and education, said: “We are committed to giving children and young people in Sandwell the best possible start in life. We’re determined to support children and young people the best way we can, and this new model for SEND transport will provide them with the highest quality services to travel between home and school. “This procurement exercise has been carried out in a fair and transparent way for all potential providers. We have followed a clear and consistent process to assess each bid with moderation provided by external legal advisors, as was set out at the beginning of this process. “We now have a commitment to work together from each of the companies awarded a contract.”
Officers from the council are working with families of the children to reassure them and offer any support or help they may need to transition to the new arrangements.
The new framework offers the council flexibility to allow for changes in demand for home to school transport.
This will mean if a child is assessed to require transport to and from school, they can be added straight away to the contract held by the transport company.
The companies delivering transport to children with special educational needs and disabilities are:
HATS Group Ltd
Green Destinations Ltd
AFJ Limited Egans Coach Travel Ltd
One 4 You Services Ltd
Community Minibuses Ltd
North Birmingham Travel Ltd
County Cars (2003)
Limited Droach Travel Ltd