The Home to School Travel Appeals Panel convened on Monday, January 26, 2026, to hear a case concerning transport for a child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The panel, chaired by Councillor Patrick Hall, agreed on the procedure for the hearing. This involved the Head of Service (SEND Transport) for Achieving for Children presenting the local authority's case, followed by the parent's presentation. Achieving for Children is a local authority-owned company that delivers children's services for Kingston upon Thames and Richmond upon Thames councils.
Details of the appeal, including the application form, the initial decision to decline transport, and subsequent appeal responses, were reviewed. Supporting documentation, such as letters from a GP and physiotherapist, along with evidence of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), were also considered.
Following the hearing, the panel moved to a private session to make their decision. The outcome of the appeal was to be communicated to the parent in writing within five working days. The meeting procedure was agreed upon without objection, and the press and public were excluded for the remainder of the session due to the likely disclosure of exempt information.
The panel members present included Councillor Sue Ansari, Councillor Griseldis Kirsch, Councillor Anne Owen, and Councillor Anita Schaper, alongside Chair Councillor Patrick Hall. Councillor Griseldis Kirsch had sent apologies for absence.
Further details regarding the meeting, including the agenda and minutes, can be found in the public reports pack. The agreed meeting procedure is also available here.
