A COUNCIL worker who left a five-year-old child with severe disabilities alone on a school bus has lost his job.
And an escort, who was meant to have accompanied the youngster to school, has resigned.
Moray Council launched an urgent investigation after Chantelle McLeod didn’t turn up at her primary school on the morning of November 9.
It emerged the driver had forgotten to drop her off and had gone home for a break, leaving the youngster alone on the school bus.
Chantelle is blind, can’t speak, is a wheelchair user and should be escorted at all times.
Two people were suspended as an investigation took place, with a spokesman for the authority confirming this week the staff are no longer in the authority’s employ.
In addition, all transport staff have been reminded of their responsibilities and the duty of care they have to young people in their charge.
Chantelle’s grandpa, Paul McLeod, said: “You don’t want to see anyone getting the sack, basically, but at the end of the day, you can’t deny that it was gross negligence. I just hope nothing like this will happen again. You feel bad, but at the same time, it could have ended on a much more serious note.”
Mum Laura (25) was hysterical on learning her child, who has a range of needs, was left on a cold bus. As part of her condition, she carries lifesaving injections and is meant to have an adult with her at all times.
Launching the investigation last month, the local authority said the safety and welfare of children is something it takes “extremely seriously”. “The circumstances surrounding this particular case are being investigated urgently and thoroughly. In the meantime, we have offered our sincere apologies to the child’s family,” a spokesman said.
