Lead Member - Councillor Kirstie Hurst-Knight - Portfolio Holder for Children and Education

Report of Tanya Miles, Executive Director of People

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:-

·       Authorised the consultation process as set out in section 2 to removal all discretionary areas of home to school travel assistance (other than in exceptional circumstances)

·       Expect a future report setting out the outcome and recommendations arising from the consultation process.

The Portfolio Holder for Children and Education presented the report which sought permission to consult on the removal of all discretionary provision (other than in exceptional circumstances) of home to school transport, this is Nursery and Post 16 SEND and mainstream Post 16 students.

The importance of acknowledging that the purpose of the report was solely to seek permission to go out to consultation was expressed and members were reminded that no decisions had been made. The outcomes of the consultation, together with recommendations, would be brought back to a future Cabinet meeting.

Much partnership work was taking place with organisations such as the County Councils Network and the SEN Strategic Board to look at anomalies between education and transport and to ensure children were able to be educated locally.

The consultation would allow the views of those in need to be considered as well as providing members with an opportunity to put forward alternative proposals.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:-

·         Authorised the consultation process as set out in section 2 to removal all discretionary areas of home to school travel assistance (other than in exceptional circumstances)

·         Expect a future report setting out the outcome and recommendations arising from the consultation process.