In response to the story Transport shock for special needs pupils on 18 November. Barking and Dagenham Council is making changes to SEN transport in the borough to encourage and assist young people with special needs to travel to school either independe

In response to the story 'Transport shock for special needs pupils' on 18 November.

Barking and Dagenham Council is making changes to SEN transport in the borough to encourage and assist young people with special needs to travel to school either independently or with family or friends which will allow for improved confidence.

We aim to increase the proportion of our young people who have the opportunity to develop this skill.

We understand that for some pupils with more complex needs this will take longer and will be particularly difficult to achieve. We appreciate parents' concerns and are working with them to support the young people to become more independent, but we are also offering assisted travel for young people with complex needs.

Parents were sent a letter in July 2009 from the Council advising them about the changes to SEN transport. Decisions about travel assistance are made by the Council's Special Educational Needs panel and each application is considered independently with individual circumstances taken into account, but parents have the right to appeal against a decision.

Council officers have spoken to and met with many parents to discuss the options.

We have spoken to many families about the proposed changes and their response has been positive.

Cllr Rocky Gill