Children with special educational needs have been left without school transportation due to an 'admin issue' at Buckinghamshire Council, the Free Press can report. 

The authority has told this newspaper they have been hit with an 'administrative issue' which is why there are delays for arranging transport for SEND pupils but a spokesman said they are 'working hard' to process applications as quickly as possible. 

It comes after a parent said she felt 'abandoned' and said the situation felt 'worse' than previous years. 

The council provides school transportation for 7,500 youngsters around the county who are eligible for support. 

Councillor Steven Broadbent, deputy leader and cabinet member for transport, said: "Buckinghamshire Council provides school transport assistance for 7,500 students who are eligible for school transport assistance in line with the Council’s Home to School Transport Policy.

The council arranges transport for more than 7,500 students, 1,900 of whom attend SEND settings.The council arranges transport for more than 7,500 students, 1,900 of whom attend SEND settings. (Image: Canva)

"This is made up of 5,000 students attending mainstream educational settings and 1,900 students attending special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) educational settings as well as 600 students that receive personal transport budgets."

Cllr Broadbent of Bucks Council, added: "We have received a high volume of applications for SEND transport for the start of the new school year and are dealing with an administrative issue that has delayed the arrangement of transport for some students, particularly those who are now 16 years old or over, or whose educational arrangements or eligibility for transport may have changed.

"Whilst post 16 transport arrangements are always complex at this time of year because of changes to arrangements following exam results and changes to educational settings and timetables, we are experiencing some additional delays which we recognise will be causing concern for some families.

"We have put as much resource in as we can and are working hard to process applications as quickly as possible, which includes making sure that transport arrangements will meet each child’s individual needs and procuring and putting transport in place with our suppliers.

"Applications are being worked through in order and families will be contacted as soon as arrangements are in place for their child.”

Email sent to parents to inform them of the transport delays Email sent to parents to inform them of the transport delays (Image: Supplied)

One parent (who wanted to remain anonymous for the safety of their 16-year-old child) has said they feel 'abandoned' by the council.

The parent was able to provide an email which was sent to parents and/or carers on Friday, August 30, to make them aware of the delay in transport arrangements.

Speaking of the situation, the resident of Buckinghamshire, said: "It seems to be worse than any other year."

Have you been affected by transport delays? Let us know by sending an email to the Newsdesk via bfpnews@london.newsquest.co.uk