Concerns are being raised about driver training under the Ministry of Education's school transport service for children with special needs, after two youths were left inside for hours in separate incidents.
A couple on Auckland's North Shore, who 1News has agreed not to name, uses the Specialised school transport assistance (SESTA) transport service to get their son to and from Manuka Primary School.
The boy, who is autistic and nonverbal, attends Wilson School's satellite classes at Manuka Primary.
Just over a week ago, the boy's father said drop off went wrong, after he was picked up by the Ritchies school van at 8.20am.
"Then we received the first text message at 11.01am, specifically, that he's absent."
Just before 1pm, the parents received a call to say he had been found in the school van and was dropped off shortly afterwards.
They were still unclear about what happened over those four hours.
The couple claimed the driver said he went home, locked his van without looking inside, and went home to rest. But when they went to the school, he drove off before they could speak with him.
A spokesperson from Ritchies Transport told 1News the incident had "fallen short of the standard we expect of ourselves".
"We have apologised to the family and we are fully investigating the incident."
That same day, a 17-year-old was also left in a van – operated by The Tranzit Group – for two hours. The student was supposed to be dropped off at her work experience in East Auckland.
Cross Country Rentals director James Snelgrove said the incident was extremely distressing.
"We owe it to everyone impacted to investigate fully and have begun a review into our processes to ensure we are taking every step to keep every student safe.
"We continue to work closely with the Ministry of Education, and to ensure the welfare of our students remains top priority."
The Ministry of Education is reviewing the SESTA programme. Eight companies are contracted under the scheme which 5400 students rely on to get to school.
"Leaving a student unattended in a vehicle is unacceptable," national services and programmes acting group general manager Andrea Williams said.
Advocates have welcomed the review and called for better training.
Autism NZ chief executive Dane Dougan said small changes, such as having supervisors on the buses, could provide the children with more support.
"I believe there could be some really small things we could put in place to make these children feel a lot safer and even if it's just interim measures."
Drivers are required to sit eight NZQA unit standards within six months of starting their contract – including two that focus on transporting passengers with impairments or disabilities.
Workers First Union's Anita Rosentreter said drivers need better support onboard.
"If for example, they're not 100% on the ball one day or something happens, there should be safeguards in place to ensure that the children are safe regardless of what happens."
The ministry is seeking an urgent explanation from Ritchies and The Tranzit Group about the incidents.
Police said it was aware of one of the incidents and were making inquiries.
SHARE ME