Letter: On the right track

I READ with interest your story on school pupils with special needs given GPS tracking devices in order to give them a sense of independence while travelling to and from school (your report, 28 January). This is wonderful news and the City of Edinburgh Council must be commended for being the first local authority in the UK to trial the initiative.

As the founder of a charity which provides help and support for parents and children with learning difficulties, plus having a daughter with a mild mental handicap, any advancements in the learning difficulties field is greatly welcome.

Too often young people with learning difficulties tend to feel isolated and unsupported, especially if they attend a mainstream school where their friends may not struggle with autism, ADHD or other neuro-developmental disorders. In addition, they may have to rely on parents or a school minibus to take them to and from school which could make them feel even more isolated.

Children long to fit in with others in the playground, and giving them the opportunity to have independence and freedom through GPS trackers is one step closer to them leading as much as a normal life as their peers.

Sophie Dow

Mindroom

Musselburgh