Essex County Council faces scrutiny over SEND transport failures

An investigation by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has exposed serious failings in Essex County Council’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) home-to-school transport service. The report found that the council’s service put the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children at risk by prioritizing efficiency over consistency.

Key issues identified in the investigation include missed pick-ups, frequent changes of drivers, and unresolved safeguarding concerns. One specific incident involved a child going missing for approximately 30 minutes due to confusion regarding collection responsibilities.

Parents, including Emma Lubonski whose daughter attends Lexden Springs Residential Special School, expressed relief at the publication of the report but noted that the lack of service consistency had caused significant anxiety. The findings follow complaints regarding the council’s decision to transition transport contracts to 24x7 Ltd.