A Wrexham mum of two fears for the future with the financial implications of transporting her son with severe learning difficulties to school. 

Nikkitha Griffiths, from Cefn Mawr, has been transporting her son, Dafydd-Edward Griffiths, to and from school since September in her own car. 

Dafydd, age 10, has verbal development delay as well as severe learning difficulties and attends St Christopher's school in Wrexham, which supports students with additional needs. 

READ MORE: Cost of living crisis in schools: "Worst is yet to come"

Since the age of 5, Dafydd has been allocated a taxi and escort service for school, set out by his Statement for Education, due to his specific needs. 

But Mrs Griffiths says she and her husband have been escorting Dafydd in the taxi to and from the school since October of last year due to a lack of escort availability. 

According to Mrs Griffiths, this added responsibility has led to her losing out on numerous jobs over the year. 

Now Mrs Griffiths and husband Keith Griffiths have, since September of this year, been transporting their son in their own car, which, amid the rising cost of living, is taking a toll on the family. 

She said: "Financially we can't afford it.

"It's making it more and more difficult and I am going to end up having to choose between feeding my son and taking him to school."

Mrs Griffiths has been informed that she will be able to claim the mileage back for the transport. 

READ MORE: Wrexham disability charity shares cost of living concerns

However the delay in receiving payment is a concern for the mother: "By the time we get that money back we will have done it for two months and we are continously spending the money to fill up the car."

Mr and Mrs Griffiths also transport their 14-year-old daughter, Grace Griffiths, to school at Ysgol Dinas Bran. 

Mrs Griffiths said: "She has a rare metabolic disorder which means if she caught covid it could hospitalise her."

This results in the couple travelling for around an hour every morning and evening to drop off and collect their children from school. 

A spokesperson from Wrexham Council has said: "There are issues with the availability of passenger assistants and drivers in Wrexham and across Wales.

"Cash grant payments are being processed as quickly as possible and no parents are waiting more than a month after submitting their claim."

Ceiriog Valley Councillor Trevor Bates (Ind) has submitted a topic for Wrexham Council’s Lifelong Learning Scrutiny committee to consider in seeking to address the problem of school escort recruitment.

Cllr Bates’s request is contained in the papers for the committee's next meeting which takes place on Thursday (October 13).

READ MORE: Cost of living: Wrexham Council 'aware' of residents' anxieties

The special educational needs and disability code of practice states: "Transport can be an important factor in the support for children and young people with SEN or disabilities.

"The Local Offer must include information about arrangements for transport provision, including for those up to age 25 with an EHC plan, and this should include local authorities’ policy statements.

"Local authorities must ensure that suitable travel arrangements are made where necessary to facilitate an eligible child’s attendance at school.

"Section 508B of the Education Act 1996 requires local authorities to make such school travel arrangements as they consider necessary for children within their area. Such arrangements must be provided free of charge."