The council turned down applications from "Tim’s"* family on the grounds that his school was "well within the distance in which you do not qualify for free home-to-school transport".
In his official report, published today, Tony Redmond criticises the council for failing to take the child’s medical conditions into consideration when ruling on whether Tim should receive assistance. "I do not believe the council has ever explained exactly how it expected [Tim] to get to school if transport was not provided," he said.
Tim is cared for by his grandmother and mother, who both who have health problems and are unable to accompany him on the journey of 0.7 miles. He has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and oppositional defiant disorder, which result in challenging behaviour that neither of his carers are well enough to manage outside of the house.
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