A MOTHER has raised concerns over the standard of service being offered to ferry her autistic son to a special needs school.

Siobhan Lyell, from Park Farm in Ashford, is worried that the well-being of her eight-year-old son Nicky is being put in jeopardy because his daily routine is being seriously disrupted.

Mrs Lyell said Ashford Minibuses held a contract with Kent County Council for many years and used to collect children in a yellow bus from Park Farm to take them to Wyvern School.

But last September the contract was put out to tender and now different vehicles and escorts are being used to collect the children.

Mrs Lyell explained that autistic children rely on familiarity and routine to help them stay calm and happy.

"The first couple of weeks they would come in the same vehicle then for a couple of weeks there has been a different driver each day," said Mrs Lyell.

"There is no regard for the special needs of the children. I’ve seen a sudden decline in Nicky’s behaviour and it could be due to his journey to school."

She claimed the new escorts did not appear to understand the needs of the children.

"One was ordering Nicky to put his seat belt on and I explained he couldn’t do it on his own," said Mrs Lyell.

She said her son was also extremely upset by close contact, a common feature of autism.

"But the escort was sitting right next to him," she said.

A spokesman for Kent County Council said that Invicta Taxis, who operate other school runs across Ashford, had taken over the contract from Ashford Minibuses.

"Invicta Taxis has been providing transport for Wyvern School’s students for almost 10 years," he said.

"They were awarded additional contracts last summer following a competitive tendering process after a number of contracts came to an end.

"We require all escorts to be CRB checked and attend a disability awareness course."