Agenda item

The Strategic Director for Social Care and Education submits a report providing an update to the Children, Young People and Education Scrutiny Commission regarding the Post 16 Transport service, including the latest policy implementation.

The Strategic Director for Social Care and Education submitted a report providing an update to the Children, Young People and Education Scrutiny Commission regarding the Post 16 Transport service, including the latest policy implementation.

The Assistant City Mayor for Children and Young People introduced the item and thanked the team for their exceptional work and significant engagement with the families.

The Director of SEND and Education reminded the commission that the update had come to scrutiny as requested after the recent policy changes. The following points were noted:

• A lot of hard work had gone into providing individualised responses to families.
• Over 200 cases had been reviewed with a wait time of under 5 days and typically within one day.
• Of the 215 Post 16 SEND school children supported, over 74% had received Council arranged transport, 25% had PTBS and enhanced PTBS.
• There had been 15 appeals, 4 of which went to stage 2. Only 2 appeals were rejected, due to insufficient evidence.
• The individualised approach was considered to be sustainable.
• Work would include making the package more efficient with a travel training element. Other Local Authorities with this experience were consulted.
• There had not been an increase in NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) figures.
• There was an upcoming annual consultation with a view to keeping the current policy in place.
• Matters pertaining to the last change of policy had been well scrutinised with suggestions taken onboard.

In response to member discussion, the following was noted:

• Members noted that they had not received any complaints or requests for assistance from dissatisfied families.
• The new policy meant that costs could be controlled whilst safeguarding and meeting the needs of the children.
• IT routing systems would play a key role during the growth in the SEND population.
• Post-16 school transport was not a statutory requirement, although needs still had to be addressed appropriately.
• Members discussed complaints relating to reliability. It was noted that there were inbuilt checks for taxi providers. A recent complaint had been dealt with swiftly and the family had been reassured.
• During the change of policy, the commission had made two recommendations relating to the Exceptional Circumstances element of policy (7.1). Members requested that these two remain embedded:

1)    Where the circumstances mean that practically and or financially it is not possible for parents or carers to make arrangements for transport despite their best efforts.

2)    Where a parent or carer supporting the student with their journey is not reasonably practical whilst continuing in employment, or a reduction or flexibility in hours of employment would cause financial hardship as described.

• The upcoming year’s policy would be published on time to allow for planning.
• In response to a question surrounding sustainability, it was noted that this would depend on the growth of the SEND population. Travel training and the computer programme will help. Also, early work with schools from year 9 onwards would be beneficial.

AGREED:

1)    To note the update.

2)    Members would email The Director of SEND and Education regarding the two points on exceptional circumstances.