Following a review of working arrangements, the Assisted Travel team will now be available from 07:30 during term-time weekdays to take calls and deal with any issues that may occur early morning. It was initially trialled at the peak of the pandemic due to the number of last-minute changes and to respond to any early operational problems.
Chris Pettifer, the Assisted Travel Team Manager, commented: ‘This early morning availability was so well received by parents, schools and operators, that as a team we have decided to make this a permanent change. It allows us to deal with any issues as vehicles prepare to go out and for parents or schools to be in touch if any early morning issues develop. We anticipate it will be particularly helpful as we start the new school year and dealing with extreme weather during the colder winter months. Overall, it is an important part of making transport more responsive to the needs of our pupils and passengers. We’ve also extended the availability in the afternoon by a further half hour during term time until 17:30, in an endeavour to support those parents who find it easier to contact us at the end of the working day.’
The Assisted Travel Team can be contacted on 020 8323 0460 between 07:30 and 17:30 Monday to Friday during term time.
They can also be contacted via SEN.Transport@cognus.org.uk