Council launches survey for changes to school transport

THE BOROUGH council is currently reviewing its travel assistance policies — and it wants to hear residents’ thoughts.

In a bid to improve home to school transport and travel assistance for children and young people in the borough, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the council is consulting the public on two draft policies.

They have been designed to improve existing travel arrangements in a financially sustainable way.

The first policy is on home to school transport for children and young people aged five to 16.

Some of the measures the council are proposing include pick-up points within one mile walking distance from a child’s home, and a mileage allowance for parents, carers and guardians.

The second policy to be considered is on travel assistance for young people over 16with SEND.

The proposals include a specialist transport service to collect and drop-off young people at agreed locations, such as sixth form or college, and mileage reimbursements for those who wish to make their own travel arrangements.

Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services said: “We know how important this is for many families in the borough.

“We are doing our best to maintain and even improve our home to school and travel assistance services for eligible children and young people while ensuring the service is cost effective and sustainable into the future.

“In particular, those who have children with special educational needs and disabilities are being asked to offer their views on the council’s proposals,” Cllr Clark added.

The current policy arrangements for home to school transport will stay in place for the 2021/22 academic year, with new arrangements implemented in September 2022.

The consultation is open until Friday, November 6.

For more information and to take part in the survey, visit: bit.ly/ WBCSchoolTransport