Overview
The complainants (Mr and Mrs C) raised a number of concerns about the school transport provision for their daughter (Child A). They felt that the current transport arrangements were not safe and that they were never told that the school their daughter attends was not the one zoned for her.
Specific complaint and conclusion
The complaint which has been investigated is that Aberdeenshire Council (the Council) failed to take adequate steps to ensure that Mr and Mrs C were aware of which primary school their daughter was zoned to attend nor did they explain the transport implications of this (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Council provide free school transport to Child A and her sister, both of whom already attend School 1, until the end of their primary schooling from the pick up/drop off point which would have been agreed had Child A been within the catchment area of School 1. In addition, the Ombudsman recommends that the Council look favourably on future applications for transport to School 1 for any other siblings of Child A.
The Council have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.