Purpose

Approval of Home to School Transport Policy for students of Statutory School age (5 to 16 – Reception to Year 11)

Decision

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive approved the revised Policy for Home to School Transport for publication.

Reasons for Recommendation – To ensure that statutory obligations are fulfilled by the publishing of a Policy in respect of students of statutory school age in line with legislation.  The Policy currently before the Executive takes into account the legislation and guidance specifically relating to education transport as issued by the Department of Education.

Alternative Options Considered:

1. Do nothing: Failure to adopt a revised policy would result in the current policy being re-adopted for the coming year. This will lead to continued lack of clarity in relation to interpretation of some clauses and leave the Council open to potential challenge.
2. Refer the draft policy back for further revision: If the Executive prefer not to approve the policy as drafted, they may make recommendations as to any alterations they may require:

a)        Members are requested to be mindful of the statutory requirement to publish the final version of the policy before 19th September 2025 and the timelines for re-presentation of the policy at Executive for approval. The Executive might therefore like to grant delegated authority to the Executive member to approve any minor changes that they request.

b)        If the Executive wish to make substantive changes to the policy, i.e. changes which affect eligibility, a full formal public consultation would be required to be carried out, as set out in legislation. The time scales are such that this could not be completed in time to publish a revised policy for delivery in academic year 2026/27.

c)         Failure to approve the final version in time for publication by 19th September 2025 will result in the current policy being re-adopted for the coming academic year with the same impact as the alternative option of do nothing as set out at paragraph 3.3.1 of the report.