Chaperones to be cut despite parent protests

Warwickshire County Council’s cabinet committee last week voted to carry out a gradual review of each service, despite around 150 objections in a consultation.

Many came from parents of children at Ferncumbe Primary School in Hatton, Bishops Tachbrook Primary School and The Dassett School in Fenny Compton.

At Ferncumbe, buses were brought in in 2001 so children from Hatton Park could be brought to school without cars blocking the village’s narrow streets.

Chairman of governors Jean Lewis said: “When you are dealing with very young children, parents are very much happier if there is somebody travelling with the children.

“We have two excellent chaperones. We are concerned that if they are cut, we do not know how we will deal with insurance even if we do have volunteers.”

Assistants will be retained on double-decker buses, where children need escorting from a pick-up of drop off point, if there is a risk of behavioural problems or where an assistant is judged necessary because of the ages of the children.

The county council says cutting chaperones could save around £700,000 over the next three years.

Cllr Heather Timms, who is responsible for policy for children, young people and families, said it was necessary.

She added: “We will be taking a “flexible” approach to passenger assistants and will carefully consider each service, ensuring the safety of the children comes first.”

Charges will also increase for the county’s vacant seats scheme, available to children unable to take school buses.

From September, yearly prices will rise from £142.50 for children travelling less than three miles, and from £250 to £350 for children travelling further. There will be concessions for children from low-income families. The county has widened the criteria to allow more pupils to qualify.

Cllr Timms added: “We will do all we can to help those struggling with the increased termly charges.”