How we can help

As part of the EMED Group, EMED Community Care benefits from an extensive background in medical transport services. We are perfectly placed to ensure the highest standards of care and safety for your child as we transport them to and from school.

 

EMED Community Care Services
Crews that care
Medically trained and compassionate crews to provide the specialised care your child needs
Specialised vehicles
Specialised vehicles to meet the needs of your child, including wheelchair accessibility
Personalised care
We treat all our passengers with dignity and respect, ensuring their physical and mental wellbeing
EMED Patient Care Home Community Care
Home visits
We visit your home to introduce our team and vehicles, giving you extra reassurance
SEND transport: information for parents
Catering for complex needs
We can safely transport children with a wide variety of complex needs or medical conditions
Seamless communication
We stay in close contact with parents, schools, and councils to provide the best possible care for your child
SEND transport: information for parents
Dedicated support teams
Our support team is on hand all year round, with a dedicated emergency line to assist you
SEND transport: information for parents
Flexible year-round support
We can help with appointments or outings, even outside of school and term times
Transport you can trust

We understand that entrusting your child’s transport and safety to someone else can be a daunting prospect. That’s why our caring and compassionate crews are committed to providing a safe, reliable, and stress-free service, ensuring a positive experience for your family.

And as part of the wider EMED Group, you can be safe in the knowledge that we are backed by a market leader in patient transport services that delivers over 1.5 million journeys across the UK every year.

EMED Community Care team assisting a smiling child in a wheelchair during a safe and comfortable journey as part of their SEND transport service.
Want to know more?

We know that every family’s needs are different, and you may have questions about how our SEND transport service works. For answers to common questions about eligibility, how to arrange transport, or what to expect, check out our FAQs.

If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to us directly using our contact form.

EMED Community Care staff helping a SEND child board a specially adapted vehicle, ensuring a safe and supportive transport experience.

Call our dedicated SEND transport line on
0300 777 1833

EMED Community Care vehicle parked and ready for SEND transport services, highlighting the specialised vehicles used for safe and reliable transport.
EMED Community Care team member engaging with a smiling SEND child during a transport journey, ensuring comfort and support.
Close-up of a seatbelt being secured inside an EMED Community Care vehicle, highlighting the focus on safety during SEND transport.
FAQs
What is SEND school transportation and who is eligible?

SEND school transportation is a dedicated service that ensures children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) have safe, reliable, and comfortable transport to and from school. Our service is designed to accommodate each child’s unique needs.

Children with recognised Special Educational Needs who require additional support in getting to school may be eligible for SEND transportation. Eligibility is typically determined by local authorities based on the child’s specific needs.

How do I register my child for transport, and what happens if my child is new to SEND transport?

To apply for SEND transportation, parents or guardians usually need to contact their local authority or school to start the application process. Documentation such as the child’s Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) may be required to assess eligibility. Once eligibility is confirmed, we’ll work with you to gather the details we need to make sure your child’s journey is safe and comfortable.

When your child is new to our transport service, we follow a structured process to ensure a smooth transition, including introducing your child to the driver and staff, trial runs if necessary, and regular check-ins to ensure their comfort.

What provisions do you put in place for SEND children, and what experience does EMED have?

We tailor our services to each child’s needs, and our team is highly experienced in supporting children with a variety of special requirements. Provisions include:

  • Personalised Care Plans developed in consultation with parents to address specific needs such as anxiety or medical conditions.
  • Trained staff equipped to handle a wide range of medical, mobility, and behavioural needs.
  • Specialist vehicles with equipment to accommodate wheelchairs, mobility aids, and sensory needs.

EMED Community Care is part of the wider EMED Group, a market leader in patient transport services that delivers over 1.5 million journeys across the UK every year. This extensive background in medical transport services means we are perfectly placed to ensure the highest standards of care and safety for your child as we transport them to and from school.

Do you offer private transport for trips or support during school holidays?

Yes, we offer private transport services for special trips such as visits to the zoo, museums, or other recreational activities. We also provide transport during school holidays to ensure continuity of care for your child. Whether for regular appointments, outings, or social activities, we can arrange safe and tailored transport solutions that adapt to the unique needs of your child and any accompanying family members or carers.

What training does your staff undertake?

Our staff undergo comprehensive training to ensure they can provide your child with the best possible care and support. This includes:

  • Safeguarding and Child Protection
  • Special Needs Awareness
  • First Aid and Emergency Response
  • Behavioural Management

This training means our team is fully equipped and committed to providing safe, compassionate, and professional transport.

What vehicles do you use? Are they safe?

We use specially adapted vehicles designed to keep your child safe and comfortable. Our vehicles are equipped with seatbelts, wheelchair access, and specialised seating for children with additional needs. All vehicles undergo routine safety checks, and our drivers are trained to operate them safely.

How do I provide feedback or raise a complaint?

Your feedback is important to us. If you have any concerns, suggestions, or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always here to listen and support you. You can contact our team via phone or email to provide feedback or raise a formal complaint. We are committed to continually improving our service and resolving any issues promptly.

What if my child needs a change in pick-up or drop-off location, or the school schedule changes?

If you need to change your child’s pick-up or drop-off location, or if your child’s school schedule changes (e.g., early dismissal or special events), please inform us as early as possible. We will do our best to accommodate the changes.

What if my child is unwell and cannot attend school?

If your child is unable to attend school due to illness or other reasons, please notify us as early as possible so we can adjust the transport schedule for that day.

How do you handle incidents, accidents or delays during transport?

If there’s ever an incident or accident, we follow clear procedures to keep your child safe. Our team is trained to handle such situations, and we will contact you immediately if anything happens during the journey.

In the event of any delays or cancellations, such as due to traffic or weather conditions, you will be informed as soon as we can. We strive to minimise any disruptions and will keep you updated on estimated arrival times.

What if my child has behavioural or sensory challenges during the journey?

Our staff are trained to support children with a variety of behavioural or sensory needs. We can implement specific strategies to help manage these challenges during the journey. If your child requires additional support, please inform us so we can make the necessary arrangements.

How far in advance should I apply for SEND transportation?

It’s best to apply for SEND transportation as soon as your child’s school placement is confirmed or as early as possible before the new school year. This allows time for the necessary arrangements to be made.

How often is my child’s transportation reviewed?

Your child’s transport arrangements are regularly reviewed to ensure they continue to meet their needs. If any changes in your child’s requirements or circumstances arise, please notify us so we can update their transport plan accordingly.

Where do you offer SEND transport services?

We currently provide our SEND transport services in select areas, including Bristol, Cheshire, Gloucestershire, Yorkshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Surrey, Wiltshire, Somerset, and Shropshire. If you’re unsure whether we operate in your area, please get in touch, and we’ll be happy to help.

Two EMED Community Care team members standing in front of a transport vehicle, ready to provide SEND transport services.
Watermark

EMED [Community Care] has been one of the best things that has happened to our daughter! She suffers from severe complex disabilities, and from day one, EMED arrived at our house for a full risk assessment and needs review with all the relevant personnel involved in her care. They were so professional in looking after her welfare! She now really enjoys travelling to school with her dedicated drivers and specialist paediatric staff—so much so that she’s a very happy monkey when she gets up for school each morning! We can’t even imagine her life without EMED… what a difference to her wellbeing. Thank you!

Anthea Mather

We have been very impressed with EMED Community Care—our son is always welcomed into a spotlessly clean van! Communication has been thorough, and as a parent, it’s very reassuring to know when my son has arrived at school and how his journey went, as well as when the van is leaving school for the return journey home. The staff are very friendly and approachable. Our son is usually indifferent to people, but he has already formed a bond with his driver, waving as soon as he sees him, which is lovely! Overall, our experience has been wonderful, and we look forward to continuing to work with EMED in the future.

Laura Sengers
Here to help

Every family is unique, and we know you may still have questions about our SEND transport service. If you need more information or have any concerns, please use the contact form to get in touch. A friendly member of our team will be happy to help you find the answers you need.

If you would like to reach out to our dedicated SEND transport line, the number to call is 0300 777 1833.