Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: May 7, 2025

Purpose:

Content: 9.1 The Head of Service for Resourcing and Business Planning introduced the item and gave a presentation which included information on home to school travel options, original proposal, consultation feedback, the revised proposal funding and the skills for life programme.   The report itself provided an update to committee following the open consultation held in January 2025 on Post-16 Discretionary SEND Home-to-School Travel Support. It outlined the key themes and feedback received from a broad range of stakeholders, including young people, parents and carers, education providers, and professionals. In response, a revised proposal has been developed which aims to deliver a more equitable, transparent, and sustainable approach to supporting eligible learners. The report also set out the council’s vision for promoting independence in travel and sought the committee’s approval for the proposed way forward.     9.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Education, Children and Families Policy Committee:-   a.    Personal Travel Budgets (PTBs): ·       For Existing Post-16 Students or Year 11 students currently accessing SEN travel support: Personal Travel Budgets (PTBs) will be introduced as an optional choice for this cohort. Families will have the flexibility to either opt for PTBs or transport. Independent Travel Training may also be offered if appropriate. ·       For students not currently accessing SEN travel support who are now applying for Post-16 travel support (September 2025): PTBs will become the first offer for new Post-16 students requiring home-to[1]school travel support, with alternative transport options available where necessary. ·       Applications: Families will be provided with detailed information about PTBs when applying for Post-16 travel support. b.    Expansion of Independent Travel Training (ITT): ·       The Freedom to Travel – Skills for Life programme will be further developed, expanding its scope to provide enhanced independent travel training for Post-16 students with SEND. This initiative aims to empower students to develop essential travel skills, fostering greater independence. ·       Initially focusing on Post-16 students, there are plans to extend this programme to younger age groups in the future, promoting early acquisition of these vital skills. ·       Subject to funding, investment will be made in hiring additional travel trainers (6-12 positions) to support the expansion of this programme. c.     Increase in Fees for young people on Taxi and Minibus Provision: ·       A proposed increase in the fees for Post-16 taxi and minibus users will be subject to consultation. ·       Future fee increases will be reviewed annually, ensuring adjustments are based on a comprehensive evaluation of current fee levels and the needs of the service   9.3 Reasons for Decision     9.3.1 We are recommending this decision in response to the valuable feedback received during the January 2025 consultation and in recognition of the growing demand for discretionary Post-16 SEND travel support. The revised proposal seeks to offer a more flexible, equitable, and financially sustainable approach, while remaining aligned with our wider vision of supporting young people to travel as independently as possible. By offering Personal Travel Budgets as a choice, expanding independent travel training, and reviewing fee contributions, we aim to provide a more tailored and transparent support offer. This approach promotes greater independence, improves outcomes for young people, and ensures that finite resources can be directed where they are most needed, now and in the future.     9.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     9.4.1 Alternative Option 1: Do Nothing.   Maintain the status quo and continue with existing home to school travel offer Maintaining the current arrangements is increasingly challenging due to rising costs, which are placing growing pressure on the Council’s budget. Continuing with the status quo is unlikely to be financially sustainable in the long term.   In addition to financial considerations, there is a strong case for promoting greater independence among young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Evidence suggests that many young people with SEND are not currently entering employment, education or training (classified as NEET), and a lack of independent mobility may be one of several contributing factors.    Improving access to transport and developing key life skills—such as the ability to travel independently—can play a vital role in enabling young people with SEND to participate more fully in their communities, access opportunities, and build confidence for adulthood. Supporting greater independence is not only beneficial for the individual but is also aligned with the Council’s broader ambitions for inclusion, aspiration and long-term wellbeing.     9.5.2 Alternative Option 2:Implement the current proposal to introduce PTBs as the default choice for eligible Post-16 students.   Advantages of this option include increased independence for young people with SEND, cost avoidance over time, and reduced financial pressure on the Council’s budget.   Disadvantages include possible concerns that consultation feedback has not been fully addressed, reduced scope for cost avoidance if uptake is limited, and a potential impact on attendance and attainment for some students.