Why Safety Comes First in SEN Transport: Training, Vetting & Checks

When it comes to transporting children with special educational needs (SEN), safety isn’t just a priority — it’s a non-negotiable standard.

At Sherwood T Group, every route, every driver, and every assistant is chosen with care, vetted with rigour, and trained to the highest standards. In this article, we’ll explain exactly how we protect the children in our care — and why local authorities and parents trust us to do the job right.

Why SEN Transport Requires a Higher Standard

Unlike general taxi or minicab services, SEN transport involves:

• Children with complex medical, emotional, or behavioural needs

• Repeated, consistent journeys — often twice daily

• Trusted relationships between families and transport staff

This means the safety bar must be much higher than in everyday transport. It’s not just about getting from A to B — it’s about doing so with patience, empathy, and professional care.

Enhanced Vetting for Drivers and PAs

All Sherwood T Group staff undergo enhanced checks before they ever step into a vehicle with a child.

Enhanced DBS Checks

Every driver and passenger assistant (PA) must pass an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This highlights any past criminal convictions — especially anything relating to children or vulnerable adults.

We go one step further by rechecking our staff regularly, not just at the point of hire.

ID and Licence Verification

For drivers, we verify:

• PCO licence status (via TfL)

• Full UK driving licence with appropriate categories

• Vehicle insurance and MOT

Specialist Training — Not Just a Driving Job

Safeguarding & Child Protection

All team members are trained to spot signs of concern — whether that’s a change in behaviour, signs of neglect, or unsafe handovers. We follow strict safeguarding procedures and report concerns immediately.

Understanding SEN Conditions

From autism to ADHD to physical disabilities, our staff are trained in:

• De-escalation techniques

• Sensory sensitivities and behaviour triggers

Emergency Procedures

We train our teams to deal with:

• Emergency stops and vehicle evacuations

• Medical incidents (e.g. seizures, breathing issues)

• Contacting emergency services and parents under pressure

Ongoing Checks & Monitoring

Sherwood T Group doesn’t take a “one-and-done” approach.

We carry out:

• Spot checks on routes

• Annual refresher training

• Unannounced audits by our compliance team

• Ongoing performance reviews and feedback from schools and parents

This ensures standards are not just met — they’re continuously improved.

Partnership with Parents & Councils

We believe safeguarding is strongest when we work together with families and local authorities.

• We log any concerns or incidents and share them appropriately

• Parents can raise issues or change details via our central support team

• We adapt routes and staffing when children’s needs change

We also provide clear guidance to parents on handovers, communication rules, and expected standards from our team.

Trust is Earned — and Maintained

In SEN transport, safety is more than background checks — it’s a daily commitment to care.

Whether you’re a parent trusting us with your child, or a local authority commissioning safe school transport, you can be confident that Sherwood T Group puts safety, dignity and professionalism first — every single journey.

📞 If you’re a parent looking for private SEN transport, or a local authority looking for a dependable partner — Get in touch with Sherwood T Group today

Safety isn’t just a promise. It’s our practice.