ellisisamazing Report post Posted September 25, 2007 (edited) El's bus turned up around an hour ago and I took him outside to put him on it, as I handed him over to the escort I noticed the seat she was putting him onto had no booster seat, so I asked where it was.....she said very vaguely, "Oh , the driver will try to get it back for this afternoon, I'll pop the seatbelt over him, he'll be fine!" I said no way, and told her to wait, so I came back in took DH car keys and got El's booster out of DH's car and then put it on El's bus seat! Luckily DH is on holiday this week so I have access to the car, usually he leaves for work at 6.30am, so I would have had no choice but to keep El away from school if DH hadn't been here. El then made a fuss as I took him off the seat to fit the safety seat and the escort said, " Oh, he's all cranky now you've disturbed him!" .....I said , "I rather that than an injured child, thanks".....the cheek! The road are so wet too cause of the downpour in the night.... so double worry there! I came back in and got straight onto the Transport department, as luck would have it the manager answered and I told him my issues and concerns, he was going nuts and was really angry! I also explained that last year El was purchased a full safety seat by the education and that I wanted to know why it wasn't on the new bus at the start of term this september, he said he was aware and that the previous company manager wasn't sure where it was! (this manager has a bad reputation as a tight fisted bad paying boss and general pig...there has been 14 drivers and 6 escorts since May 2006!) I told the education El needs his full seat back as he can do a HARRY HOUDINI with only a booster in place, so we needed this issue resolving both ends! Anyway if all else fails and the creep manager won't give the seat back they are going to buy another that I can sign for and take on and off the bus each night and they will invoice the manager! I am now worried our seat will be taken during the day, and put somewhere else. If that's not there this evening I will flip. We never drive our kids without a safety seat, why would we allow a "stranger" too???!!! Plus it's illegal! Sorry for ranting! Lisa xx Edited September 25, 2007 by ellisisamazing Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oxgirl Report post Posted September 25, 2007 Oh Lisa, that's totally unacceptable, isn't it, no wonder you're furious. You did absolutely the right thing by putting your car seat in, I don't know what they were thinking by thinking it was acceptable for your lad to travel without one, what on earth would they have done if he'd wriggled out of the seat belt during the journey!! It doesn't bear thinking about. When you say the manager was angry, was he on your side and angry with the driver and escort or with your complaining? I'd put my concerns in writing if I were you and I'd demand your booster seat back tonight as well. Good luck with it. <'> ~ Mel ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ellisisamazing Report post Posted September 25, 2007 Thanks Oxgirl, The Transport manager at the Education dept was mad about the coach companies lack of safety and was totally on my side! He was so apologetic and just aghast...also unhappy with the escort's attitude that is was ok for El to travel without a seat. He said he was glad I'd raised this with him and that he would be implementing some changes. He agreed that it was illegal and to keep El off the bus if it happens again, then contact the school and him and then there will be hell to pay! It's so annoying, we trust these people to care for our children for a small part of the day....I no longer have any faith in them! Lisa xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pepper Report post Posted September 25, 2007 shocking!! (i see ur in my LEA) .... ah, the joys of the transport dept O Basically, the tender for school run goes to the lowest quote - which alas, is normally the worst taxi company ever LOL (i can almost work out which one you had!! ) Hence the swap and change drivers - its a nightmare. Id be more disgusted by pupil escort - shes been trained to know all the rules and regulations, so Its her that needed reporting. I wouldnt start on a job without checking childs ages and guaging and checking car had all correct facilities - Any child under 9 is going to need a booster seat at the very least. And her attitute....Id be spitting in temper too Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Annea Report post Posted September 25, 2007 Good for you for standing up for your sons right to a safe journey! If you have to lend them the seat again, maybe ask them to sign for it? I am constantly t a loss for words to describe the ineptitiude of some of the people who are placed in a position to care for our kids.... I'm sure it's not that they don't care so where does it o wrong, do they get so fed up with the system they give in? Do they get scared by the beaurocracy they find themselved wrapped up in? I too would complain in writing, in fact I now never do ANYTHING to do with my daughters over the phone, unless it is impossible to get it done otherwise, and then I record the conversation. I am so fed up with being told that he or she didn't say this or that!!! Good luck with routing down his proper equipment! Take care Anne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ellisisamazing Report post Posted September 25, 2007 Oh, and the bus company guy also rents his vehicles out as private hire and airport runs, it would seem.....So I bet El's education issued seat is in a taxi keeping some holidaymakers child safe while mine is making do with whatever they can find! I am spitting mad! Lisa xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pepper Report post Posted September 25, 2007 Thanks Oxgirl, The Transport manager at the Education dept was mad about the coach companies lack of safety and was totally on my side! He was so apologetic and just aghast...also unhappy with the escort's attitude that is was ok for El to travel without a seat. He said he was glad I'd raised this with him and that he would be implementing some changes. He agreed that it was illegal and to keep El off the bus if it happens again, then contact the school and him and then there will be hell to pay! It's so annoying, we trust these people to care for our children for a small part of the day....I no longer have any faith in them! Lisa xx I will say in their defence - its BEDLAM at beginning of term - all the swapping and changing of contracts and marrying escorts to jobs etc but they arnt known for their adept organisation skills LOL I'd maybe suggest playing hell with bus firm too - because they want to keep contract so if you complain to them as well they will run out and get seats pronto rather than lose contract ( its 3 strikes and out rule) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ellisisamazing Report post Posted September 25, 2007 shocking!! (i see ur in my LEA) .... ah, the joys of the transport dept O Basically, the tender for school run goes to the lowest quote - which alas, is normally the worst taxi company ever LOL (i can almost work out which one you had!! ) Hence the swap and change drivers - its a nightmare. Id be more disgusted by pupil escort - shes been trained to know all the rules and regulations, so Its her that needed reporting. I wouldnt start on a job without checking childs ages and guaging and checking car had all correct facilities - Any child under 9 is going to need a booster seat at the very least. And her attitute....Id be spitting in temper too Hi Pepper! Does "OFF POLISH" mean anything to you?....it's in code! What irks me is the escort is new to us, she started at beginning of term on this run, so I typed up a welcome note and put El's special needs on it and what requirements he has, and his little quirks and stuff, so it's not like she isn't aware! Lisa xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pepper Report post Posted September 25, 2007 (edited) Oh, and the bus company guy also rents his vehicles out as private hire and airport runs, it would seem.....So I bet El's education issued seat is in a taxi keeping some holidaymakers child safe while mine is making do with whatever they can find! I am spitting mad! Lisa xx you are ACTUALLY correct in that assumpion also lisa Edited September 25, 2007 by pepper Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ellisisamazing Report post Posted September 25, 2007 Good for you for standing up for your sons right to a safe journey! If you have to lend them the seat again, maybe ask them to sign for it? I am constantly t a loss for words to describe the ineptitiude of some of the people who are placed in a position to care for our kids.... I'm sure it's not that they don't care so where does it o wrong, do they get so fed up with the system they give in? Do they get scared by the beaurocracy they find themselved wrapped up in? I too would complain in writing, in fact I now never do ANYTHING to do with my daughters over the phone, unless it is impossible to get it done otherwise, and then I record the conversation. I am so fed up with being told that he or she didn't say this or that!!! Good luck with routing down his proper equipment! Take care Anne Annea, Thank You, and I will do a written complaint also. And keep a copy! Lisa xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elun1 Report post Posted September 25, 2007 <'> My god no wonder you are are furious - that it is outrageous!!!! It is, as you say, illegal too. School transport for our kids is an issue that really needs looking in to. Loads of horror stories with our LEA too. One little boy from O's unit opened the back door when car going along (child locks off!!) Amazingly no accident but it made him phobic about cars which is the last thing he needs <'> <'> Elun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ellisisamazing Report post Posted September 25, 2007 you are ACTUALLY correct in that assumpion also lisa Really? Do you work for him? I have also just realised it is still the same company from last year but with a different company logo on the bus! Lisa xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pepper Report post Posted September 25, 2007 bless, your the type of mum i'd adore - i work for dept and i have, over the years, got emergency phonecalls / no facts/ no background info/ and have to dash off to collect/deliver children with no idea of childs/childrens needs. Its awkward to tentively ask a new parent on the doorstep 'is there anything i need to know to make your childs journey to school comfortable' Ive escorted children in the past that i've found out later are epileptic for example, so it can be frustrating and worrying if i am unaware of a childs basic needs for their safety I just had the worst 1 hour of my working life yesterday - some warning from education dept would have been nice!! sometimes, i really dont like my job............ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pepper Report post Posted September 25, 2007 I know alot of the firms on wirral - and last one i worked for - had a selection of car seats for airport runs LOL (i surmise they may also be transport dept supplied LOL chances are......) I'm not as familiar with bus runs (my idea of a nightmare trip) OH *looks at time* have to go ---- work calls Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ellisisamazing Report post Posted September 25, 2007 Thanks Elun! <'> You know what? I am sat here crying with utter frustration, I am so cross! Hubby is going mad! Why is everything so bliddy hard?! Lisa xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oxgirl Report post Posted September 25, 2007 Try not to work yourself up too much, Lisa. It sounds like the manager is going to sort all of this out for you and hopefully he won't allow this to happen again. Have a nice cuppa and try and relax for a bit. <'> <'> ~ Mel ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elun1 Report post Posted September 25, 2007 <'> <'> <'> Lisa <'> <'> <'> I know how you feel - some days are just absolute ######. Take some deep breaths and put some wine in the fridge to chill fpr later xxx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shortcake Report post Posted September 25, 2007 Oh my god that is disgusting I cant belive the "oh he will be ok" comment the flippin nerve like to see how they would have reacted if it was their child I would complain all over the place threaten them with the local paper if you have to im mad for you! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bullet Report post Posted September 25, 2007 I hope things get sorted and they realise the importance of the seat. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cariad Report post Posted September 25, 2007 At the end of the day they are a company paid by transport and want to get the kids there ASAP and without any hassle, and then get on with their day IMO they really *don't get it*, I would have been angry too, it's a safety issue and they HAVE to follow these things, it's too late when they have a terrible accident. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted September 25, 2007 <'> Lisa, what a week you are having. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ellisisamazing Report post Posted September 25, 2007 Many Thanks to all of you, who have posted a message...I appreciate it so much! <'> <'> <'> <'> <'> <'> <'> El came home safely with his seat that we own, I asked the escort did they get the booster back and the answer was no! I explained I was very unhappy with the service and that I had contacted the transport department to issue my concerns...the escort explained she didn't blame me , I added to her that it is illegal to take a child in a vehicle without an adequate booster/seat and said she knew that and she agreed with me!! (complete turn around from this morning!) The driver then said he would be seeing the company manager/director this evening to return then coach and he would ask about the booster and the original seat on my behalf.....I thanked him but made it clear that if there is no booster seat tomorrow El will be taken into school by his Dad and we will paying a visit to the Transport and the local paper and that I also want the original full seat back and that it will remain in our possession until no longer required and after each drop off in the morning the seat is to go into school with El and then when he comes home I will bring it in the house until the morning! I also told him I have little faith in the company and that I am aware of the company running airport runs and that the seat is probably in a cab somewhere! The driver went totally red faced and lost for words! I explained to both of them that I am not some moaning old sow, but a Mum wanting the best for her child and he agreed I was right and would feel the same in this situation! Thanks again, I will keep you all updated.... Lisa xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted September 25, 2007 Ooh, you go girl!!!!! Give em hell! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shortcake Report post Posted September 26, 2007 How did it go this morning was the seat on the bus? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ellisisamazing Report post Posted October 1, 2007 (edited) How did it go this morning was the seat on the bus? Hi Shortcake, Sorry, not been around for a few days! Yes, the booster not the full seat was on the bus, so I was happy for El to go to school on the bus....however I called the boss of the taxi comapny to ask about the whereabouts of El's seat and he was so rude and unco-operative! Basically he implied that the seat was missing but he had no idea of who had taken it, and thus he couldn't do anything about it! So I told him that the seat was ordered and only for Ellis, that it was not to be moved and used for his taxis to ferry other children about (I also added that if that seat was involved in a car that had a minor prang or accident that it would be unsafe for Ellis to use and that if I couldn't trust the company with the safety of my son, what was I to do?!), He was very nonchalant, which really annoyed me, so I told him I could tell he wasn't interested and that money was his motivation, so I'd leave Transport to deal with him, and I also added, "Oh, by the way...transport will be purchasing a new seat to be delivered to me and left with us each night, but the bill is going to you, ok?!", then I swiftly put the phone down! Unfortunately this morning the bus turned up and I took El outside to be told by the escort that there was no seat again or a even booster!! I was aghast, and she asked me if I had the seat from our car, and if so could they use that again?! Luckily my DH had to go to a meeting in Birmingham today and decided to get the train at 6.30am this morning, so has left the car, so I had to come back in, get the keys, open the car, remove the seat and pass it onto the bus....meanwhile we live in a really narrow road and there are cars travelling in both directions trying to pass one another whilst the bus is causing a hold up! It appears the bus was used yesterday for an airport run and the driver who took the seats off, didn't bother to put them back on his return! Even the wheelchair restraints for the little boy who uses a chair were missing!!!!!!!!! Luckily his Mum was able to supply her own too! I am so peed off,, it's untrue! Edited October 1, 2007 by ellisisamazing Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shortcake Report post Posted October 1, 2007 Morning hope you have got over the drama of this morning! Is there anyway you could go to the bus garage and pick up the seat in person? They seem to be taking the complete P***!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ellisisamazing Report post Posted October 1, 2007 Morning hope you have got over the drama of this morning! Is there anyway you could go to the bus garage and pick up the seat in person? They seem to be taking the complete P***!! Thanks shortcake! <'> I am just really sick of it! I just feel like they don't care about our children on the bus.....so I am naffed off! I asked that regarding the original missing seat, and was not allowed to be told the location If this happens again, I will keep El off school and will then contact the local newspaper! Lisa xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pumpkinpie Report post Posted October 1, 2007 I am flabbergasted about this. Have you had a look at your councils website to see who is responsible for this ( thinking councillor). I would write to the lea/transport and councillr about this - give them a few days to respns and then go to the papers. All councils have their own chidlrens plan and part of that is about accessing services and safety - I would be asking them how they can be adhering to this is they are persistantly breaking the law. Maybe the police could focus their minds! Its ridiculous! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ellisisamazing Report post Posted October 1, 2007 I am flabbergasted about this. Have you had a look at your councils website to see who is responsible for this ( thinking councillor). I would write to the lea/transport and councillr about this - give them a few days to respns and then go to the papers. All councils have their own chidlrens plan and part of that is about accessing services and safety - I would be asking them how they can be adhering to this is they are persistantly breaking the law. Maybe the police could focus their minds! Its ridiculous! Hi Pumpkinpie! <'> I have contacted the head of Transport at the local council authority and he is livid! He is going to purchase a new seat and invoice it to the Taxi firm. I have also responded in writing and he knows I will be taking this further if I feel I should do so, by that I mean my solicitors and the press becoming involved! I have also pointed out the seat legislation requirements to bothe Transport and the Taxi firm! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pumpkinpie Report post Posted October 1, 2007 It really frustrates me that when you go to counil meetings etc councillors are so out of touch with what really happens. So probally the next time the head of transpotrt goes in and has to give an upto date report about whats happening nothing will be said about the realities of how this an other taxi firms are preforming. It just seems so unfair and it happenms about everything! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ellisisamazing Report post Posted October 1, 2007 (edited) Quick Update! After this mornings fiasco El was safely returned home to us this afternoon with the "booster" and we were also given our personal seat back but the transport dept one is still missing! At least he had some form of seat today, and the driver was very apologetic, but it is not his problem to be fair. I will give the Transport dept till Thursday to get back to me about the purchase of this new seat! But if this happens again, I will be keeping El off the bus until a replacement is issued. How does a company manage to "lose" so many seats?? Very Dodgy, IMO! This taxi bloke big boss is gonna be sorry if he continues, I will give him the verbal lashing of his life, if I have to! I can nag for England.......Ireland......Scotland......Wales......and then some! Edited October 1, 2007 by ellisisamazing Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted October 1, 2007 <'> Lisa <'> you give em hell, you could do without this. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elun1 Report post Posted October 1, 2007 <'> <'> Lisa <'> <'> Life is hard enough without having to deal with this - God that man sounds awful - I bet you could strangle him Take care <'> <'> <'> Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ellisisamazing Report post Posted October 1, 2007 Thanks Elun! <'> Cheers for your support, it's nice to know you care Thanks Pearl! <'> And that goes for you too, my lovely friend! P, I will PM you tomorrow, I was in Newcastle on Saturday night at a hen night and I am now full of cold/virus thingy! (Honestly it isn't drink related!!!) I have a lot to write to you!! Lisa xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted October 2, 2007 Honestly it isn't drink related!!! yes, you keep telling yourself that.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ellisisamazing Report post Posted October 2, 2007 *puts pearl into another sherry induced coma* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ellisisamazing Report post Posted October 2, 2007 *puts pearl into another sherry induced coma* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted October 2, 2007 Not sure I can survive TWO comas... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
