Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, People, which sought approval to commence a consultation on sustainable travel and transport for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

The Board was advised that under the Education Act 1986 (the Act), the Local Authority had a duty to ensure suitable travel arrangements were in place for eligible children and young people. The Act applied to all children and young people permanently resident in Halton and who attended a qualifying school named in their Statement of Educational Needs (SEND) or Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

          It was reported that currently there were 385 pupils with SEND receiving support from the local authority to access educational provision, either within the Borough or outside of Halton. The cost of this service for 2015/16 academic year was £1,273,776, and it was proposed to consult parents, carers, educational establishments and other interested parties on revised travel solutions. The consultation exercise would run for 8 academic weeks commencing September 2016, with the results and a recommendation on future arrangements reported to Executive Board.

Reason(s) for Decision

The decision was required to fulfil the Council’s statutory duty to promote the use of sustainable travel and transport.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None.

Implementation Date

Any revised policy would be implemented for the September 2017 intake.

          RESOLVED: That the commencement of a consultation with stakeholders and partners with regard to implementing a new Home to School and College Travel Transport Policy for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities from September 2017, be approved.