Damage charges to school transport

HMP88

Hi

My son (9 years) is diagnosed with Autism, the past few weeks he has had home to school transport in a taxi minibus. When he was dropped off yesterday the driver showed me a rip in the back seat he said my son made during his journey, he goes on to say it will cost me £250 to replace..is this right?
I am more than happy to pay for any damages he has caused but I’m questioning the amount he says it costs. 

I said I’d speak to the school first to see if someone can help as I simply don’t have that kind of money right now and he seemed eager to have this done ASAP.

 Now he is being a little rude to me and my husband, He said he was very disappointed after I spoke to my sons teacher and also mentioned contacting his union rep and now adding his own expenses? (I have no idea what that includes)

I’ve not once said I wouldn’t pay, I’m trying to find out if I can get some help that’s all.

I am struggling to understand how my son can rip through leather without having a sharp object or previous damage (torn or hole) that hasn’t been noticed by them.
my son will pick at things that are out of place (e.g wallpaper that’s coming away from the walls) so my thoughts is he has just finished the job of whatever damage was already there.
 Aswell as having an escort with them 🤨 
I haven’t said this to him yet as I want to keep some kind of friendly relationship with him, it scares the life out of me having to use taxis for school as it is without all this.
but the more funny he’s being about it is making me suspicious..why can’t the school know? Why is he disappointed? I have’t complained?

am I being unreasonable and just pay the fee? £250 is a lot of money in my house!
if anyone has had a similar experience I’d appreciate your help?

[Deleted User]

Without knowing the extent of the damage, it's impossible to say for sure, but £250 doesn't seem excessive for replacing or repairing a leather seat.

He's being 'funny' about it because he's worried you're not going to pay for the damage and he knows the longer it drags on, the less likely he will be reimbursed.

Who was the escort you mention that was with your son? What do they have to say about the incident?

Spendless

For eighteen years my Dad was a driver of a mini bus for a school for SEN children. I don't believe it would be in my Dad's remit to say how much the damage would be, or the other details he's given. He'd perhaps have to mention it to you and say he'd need to report it to the school then someone would get in touch. Plus as you've said there would be an escort present too, so what have they said about it? 

Is this a taxi firm outsourced by the school and is the driver the owner of the business?  I'd be wanted details of what happened before I paid out. How was your son able to make the hole and with what, when was it noticed and by who and who witnessed him doing it. 

Albermarle

There could also be an argument/ negotiating point, that if a tax firm/driver has agreed to take passengers who have special needs, then they have accepted that there is probably an  increased risk of some kind of issues happening. For example you could argue that scratches from a wheelchair would be classed as normal wear and tear, and not have to be paid for to be repaired.

unforeseen

Conversely the taxi driver should be expected to get warned if one of his passengers is likely to cause damage and the actions a parent would take to minimise/prevent it.

my son will pick at things that are out of place (e.g wallpaper that’s coming away from the walls) 

In other words, he will take a small tear/nick and make it worse. 

Albermarle

The key point, is if he did do it, why did the escort not stop him?

pramsay13

I'm all for people taking responsibility for damage and paying up when due, but I'm not convinced in this instance. 
I think this is just one of the risks you take when taking on a school run in return for regular work at whatever price agreed.
Is this a private arrangement?
If not I would speak to whoever has organised it which I assume is the education department of the local authority and explain the situation. 
Depending on the arrangement they have with the firm they will either pay it or tell him no. 

Cyclamen

I would start by speaking to your sons escort.  

Of course you can talk to the school or council transport team, they have contracted the transport and may have experience or even insurance for this sort of things.  

As for the drivers expenses of course he wants his car nice.. take a photo of how it is now and thank him for his patience whilst you find out the correct procedures but assure him that you will follow the rules for any damage done by your child. (that doesnt commit you to paying at this stage). 

arnoldy

That taxi is that persons livelihood, so you can understand the taxi driver is not overjoyed. He probably grafts all hours and cant afford the money either. But that's no reason for you to pay if you dont think your son did the damage.

theoretica

Who pays him/has the contract for the journeys?  I think you need to consult with them, and it may be them the driver should approach.

Taxi meter fares often have a maximum 'soiling charge' - I wonder if this is relevant as an example that the driver may not just demand repayment of whatever they consider owed.

toomuchinfo

I think there would be insurance to cover any damage caused by a special needs child. If the contract is between the council and the driver, he should approach them. The escort is responsible for checking that the children are settled and behaving, a lot of the escorts are  on their phones the whole time. 

I would check whether you are responsible for any damage and whether it was your son that caused the damage.