Oxfordshire County Council SEND Transport Update – 2 Sept 2025

Oxfordshire Parent Carers Forum (OxPCF) has shared detailed feedback from families who have experienced confusion, distress, and disruption due to delays and unclear communication around SEND transport. We have also reiterated our concern about the ongoing impact on children, young people, and their families — especially those who rely on routine and certainty.

We will continue to pass on feedback shared with us and raise urgent issues directly with the local authority.

In response, Oxfordshire County Council has provided the following update:

🔹 Contacting Providers

Families are only advised to contact transport providers once OCC has confirmed arrangements. This includes written confirmation of the provider and escort arrangements (if applicable). Families may then contact the provider directly to confirm pick-up times. If written confirmation is delayed, OCC may provide details by phone to avoid further disruption.

🔹 Communication Timelines

Due to current pressures, families will be contacted the day before transport begins with final arrangements. This will include provider details so that families can confirm timing directly. OCC acknowledges that this approach is far from ideal and has committed to improving lead times in future terms.

🔹 Support for Unconfirmed Transport

Where transport has not yet been confirmed, OCC is contacting families — prioritising eligible applications in order of school start date — and working with providers to identify interim solutions.

Families in this situation are encouraged to contact the SEND Transport Team directly for support:

📧 EE-specialeducationalneedsITU@oxfordshire.gov.uk

📞 01865 323 795

Next Steps

OCC has stated that their priority is to ensure consistent and timely responses through the appropriate channels. The Supported Transport Team remains available for urgent queries, and efforts are being made to improve response times across the board.

They have also reiterated their commitment to improving the process for families and welcome continued feedback.

If you’ve experienced issues, please feel free to contact us at info@oxpcf.org.uk or complete our feedback form here: https://bit.ly/OXPCF. We will continue to represent parent carers and share updates as soon as we receive them.

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Oxfordshire Parent Carers Forum (OxPCF)