To: EXECUTIVE MEMBER for CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE & LEARNING
October 2021
EDUCATION TRANSPORT POLICY FOR BRACKNELL FOREST CHILDREN AGED 5-16
Executive Director of People
1 Purpose of Report
1.1 The report seeks formal approval of the Education Travel policy, for children aged 5-16 for the period 2022 -2023.
2 Recommendation
2.1 For the Executive Member to agree the Education Transport Policy Statement 2022/23, for Bracknell Forest Children aged 5-16.
3 Reasons for Recommendation
3.1 To ensure compliance with statutory requirements to publish a compliant travel policy for children aged 5-16.
3.2 There are no significant changes to the policy from the last academic year apart from amendments to aid clarity.
4 Alternative Options Considered
4.1 No alternative option was considered.
5 Supporting Information
5.1 Local Authorities are required to publish transport statements each year setting out the travel arrangements they will make to support eligible children of compulsory school age.
5.2 In 2019 the DfE consulted on revised statutory guidance for local authorities on home to school travel and transport for children of compulsory school age (5-16). The revised guidance was expected to be published in early 2020; however, this was postponed due to COVID 19 and no update from DfE has yet been received. This policy therefore continues to follow home to school travel and statutory guidance dated July 2014. The main body of the policy has no significant changes apart from ensuring clarity on certain points. The revised policy is at Appendix A for approval.
5.3 The Education Travel Policy for Post 16 students is published separately.
Financial Implications
5.4 This policy does not have any financial implications as eligibility criteria for free education transport remains the same. Discretionary arrangements for non-eligible children i.e., pre statutory school age children are normally funded by the department supporting the application. Alternative Provision transport should be funded by the school where the child is registered or, for SEN children, the setting named in section I of their individual EHC plan.
6 Consultation and Other Considerations
Legal Advice
The Legal issues are considered within the report.
Financial Advice
6.1 There are no financial implications for this policy as the eligibility criteria for free education transport remains the same; however, as the expenditure on this budget is directly related to the number of pupils eligible for this service and this number is increasing year on year, this may cause a significant financial pressure.
Other Consultation Responses
6.2 As there are no substantive changes there is no requirement to consult on the policy.
Equalities Impact Assessment
6.3 Equality Impact Assessment attached at Annex 2 of this report.
Strategic Risk Management Issues
6.4 There are no strategic risk management issues related to this policy.
Climate Change Implications
6.5 This policy promotes sustainable travel; however, the modes of transport are determined by distance and the needs of the children travelling. The current education travel contract framework is in place until 2026 and whilst we can ensure that the vehicles currently utilised meet the framework standards, there is little that can be done to influence the types of vehicle used until these contracts are retendered.
Background Papers
DfE Home to school travel and transport guidance – July 2014
Contact for further information
Matt Howlett, Customer Experience - 01344 355157
Matt.howlett@bracknell-forest.gov.uk