PUPILS with ‘complex’ needs may no longer receive medical treatment from carers when travelling to and from school amid safety concerns.

Council bosses say it is ‘unsafe’ for untrained ‘travel assistants’ to administer medication ­— and proposed to scrap the scheme.

Currently, if a child needs medication, it can be administered, on a voluntary basis and with consent from parents, by his or her carer.

However, that service may no longer be available if plans to axe the service are approved.

New legislation could see carers given ‘basic’ life support training ­— and if a pupil does need medical assistance, an ambulance will be called.

“The council is no longer able to sustain the provision of passenger assistants to administer medication for children on transport,” stated a report.

“Currently, some assistants have received basic training to provide emergency interventions ­— such as inhalers and oxygen ­— in a few cases.

“This has been a voluntary arrangement with parental agreement.

“It is proposed to withdraw this provision and instead replace with an acute care pathway plan.”

The move is a part of the council’s plan to review its ‘all age travel assistance’ policy.

A proposal to change some of the wording to make guidelines ‘clearer’ has also been tabled.

Meanwhile, Cllr Mike Freeman, executive member for reform and engagement, said the report also sets out what transport is available ­— and who is eligible to use it.

He added: “I believe the policy is fair and robust and supports children and young people travelling to school and college.

“It promotes independence and personal transport budget options.

“Although the demand for services continues to rise ­— and stretches the council’s finances – we have also committed  not increase the travel assistance charges for 2019/20.”

The fees can range from £85 to £170 per term.

For more information visit trafford.gov.uk/consultations.