A vulnerable autistic schoolboy "could have died" after being left on a locked school bus for more than two hours, his mother said. Jennifer Evans said her 12-year-old son Thomas was only discovered when he sounded the horn. Ms Evans, from Stockbridge Village in Merseyside, told the BBC she had done "nothing but cry" after being told her son had been driven back to a bus depot in Kirkby instead of being dropped off at school. The bus company, Knowsley-based Supreme Executive Travel, apologised for the 24 April incident, said it had conducted a full investigation, and sacked a member of staff. "I've barely slept," 39-year-old Ms Evans said. "The thought of him going out of this house now really frightens me because it just goes to show how vulnerable he is when I'm not there to protect him. "I'm putting all my trust in these strangers and I'm so scared because you don't really know a person, do you? And then these things happen. "It just really makes you just want to wrap him up in cotton wool." Thomas, who has complex needs, was supposed to have been dropped off at Alt Bridge Secondary School, which caters to children with special educational needs, in Huyton at just after 09:30 BST. An investigation report, seen by the BBC, said school staff were instead called by Supreme Executive Travel at 11:45 to say Thomas had been found at the depot. Alt Bridge has also said it was "truly sorry" for its part in Thomas's ordeal and acknowledged a "combination of things" went wrong that morning with handover procedures. It said a safeguarding incident in the school had also delayed staff from contacting Ms Evans to ask where Thomas was. Ms Evans said she was contacted by a manager at Supreme Executive Travel around the same time. She told her Thomas had been found after sounding the horn on the bus. She said: "My son suffered that day. He could've died really. "I know it sounds drastic, but he could have because of his severe asthma." She said in January 2024, Thomas had suffered an asthma attack so severe he stopped breathing and she had to perform CPR until an ambulance arrived. Ms Evans said Thomas also has very low kidney function, which meant that not being able to go to the toilet for an extended period could have had serious repercussions. Thomas, who can only repeat back words that are said to him and is considered non-verbal, had been unable to tell his mother his feelings about what happened. But she said he had suffered from night terrors since that day, and that she suspected they were caused by the trauma of being locked on the bus. Ms Evans also said she has been frustrated by the response of Supreme Executive Travel, who she accused of not answering her questions. "I want answers, I want the company to be held accountable for their actions," she said. Dean Dumbell, group chief executive for Supreme Executive Travel, told the BBC: "We take full responsibility for this situation and are committed to ensuring that similar incidents are avoided in the future. "Within 24 hours of the incident, the entire organisation underwent an emergency briefing and further training to reinforce the robust protocols we already have in place." Mr Dumbell said a letter of apology had been written and sent to Ms Evans on 6 May, which she said she had not received. Knowsley Council, which commissioned Supreme Executive Travel to provide transport to Alt Bridge, said a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) investigation had taken place. A spokesperson said: "A number of issues were highlighted where processes were not followed, and these have been picked up directly with the transport provider and the school." A statement from Alt Bridge added: "Lessons have been learned and additional preventive measures have been introduced by school." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside onBBC Soundsand follow BBC Merseyside onFacebook,X, andInstagram, and watch BBC North West Tonight onBBC iPlayer.
Autistic boy left on locked school bus for hours
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Investigation Launched After Autistic Boy Left Alone on School Bus for Over Two Hours"
Bbc News
6.9
TruthLens AI Summary
A 12-year-old autistic boy named Thomas was left alone on a locked school bus for over two hours, leading to a harrowing experience for both him and his mother, Jennifer Evans. The incident occurred on April 24, when Thomas was supposed to be dropped off at Alt Bridge Secondary School in Huyton, a facility designed for students with special educational needs. Instead of arriving at school, Thomas was taken back to a bus depot in Kirkby, where he was only discovered after he sounded the horn. His mother expressed her deep distress upon learning about the situation, stating that she had been in tears and felt a heightened sense of vulnerability regarding her son's safety. Thomas, who has complex needs and severe asthma, could have faced dire consequences had he not been found. Ms. Evans revealed that her son had previously suffered a severe asthma attack, making the situation all the more alarming for her as she worried about his health and well-being while under the care of strangers.
Both the bus company, Supreme Executive Travel, and Alt Bridge Secondary School have acknowledged their roles in the incident and expressed their apologies. Supreme Executive Travel has terminated the employment of a staff member involved and promised to implement further training to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Meanwhile, Alt Bridge admitted that a combination of procedural failures contributed to the oversight, including a safeguarding incident that delayed staff from contacting Ms. Evans about her son's whereabouts. Despite these assurances, Ms. Evans has voiced frustration over the lack of clear communication and accountability from the bus company. She reported that Thomas has been experiencing night terrors following the incident, indicating the psychological impact it has had on him. The local council is also conducting an investigation into the matter, highlighting the need for improved protocols to ensure the safety of vulnerable children in transport services.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The news article highlights a distressing incident involving a 12-year-old autistic boy who was left on a locked school bus for over two hours. This situation raises significant concerns about the safety and well-being of vulnerable children in educational settings, particularly those with special needs. The mother’s emotional reaction and the bus company’s admission of fault create a narrative that aims to inform the public about the failures in care that can lead to dangerous situations.
Emotional Impact and Community Response
The article paints a vivid picture of the mother's fear and anxiety regarding her son’s safety. By sharing her emotional turmoil, the article seeks to evoke empathy and concern from the community. This approach not only highlights the vulnerabilities faced by children with autism but also questions the reliability of the institutions responsible for their care. The mother’s statement that she feels scared to let her son out of the house emphasizes the broader societal fears regarding the safety of vulnerable individuals.
Accountability and Institutional Failures
The bus company, Supreme Executive Travel, has publicly apologized and taken action by firing a staff member, reflecting an attempt to take accountability. Alt Bridge Secondary School also acknowledged their part in the incident, suggesting a systemic failure in communication and protocol. This shared accountability may foster trust and transparency within the community, but it also raises questions about the adequacy of safeguarding measures in place for children with special needs.
Public Awareness and Advocacy
This incident serves as a critical reminder of the need for better training and awareness around the care of autistic children. It may spark discussions on policy changes, better training for staff in schools and transportation services, and the importance of safeguarding procedures. The article aims to galvanize public support for stronger protections for vulnerable children, potentially leading to advocacy for legislative changes or enhanced oversight of such services.
Manipulation and Trust Issues
While the article presents a factual account, the emotional framing could be viewed as manipulative, aiming to elicit a strong emotional response from readers. By emphasizing the potential life-threatening consequences of the incident, the article may be steering public opinion towards a demand for stricter regulations and oversight in child care services. This manipulation of emotions could serve to distract from broader systemic issues in the education and transportation sectors.
In terms of reliability, the news article appears credible as it includes quotes from the mother, a detailed account of the incident, and responses from the involved parties. However, the emotional weight of the narrative could influence the reader's perception, leading to a heightened sense of urgency and concern.
The implications of this incident could ripple through various sectors including education, transportation, and public policy. There might be increased scrutiny on school transport services and calls for improved safety protocols. Additionally, this story may resonate more with parents of children with special needs, advocacy groups, and community members concerned about child safety.
The article does not seem to directly impact stock market or economic trends, but it could influence discussions around funding for special needs education and care services. In broader terms, it contributes to the ongoing dialogue about the rights and protections for vulnerable populations in society.
Considering the nature of the article, it is unlikely that artificial intelligence was used in its writing. However, if AI were to be involved, it could potentially influence language choices to evoke stronger emotional responses or streamline the narrative for clarity and impact.