Wakefield parents asked for views on major school transport changes

Wakefield Council has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to its home-to-school transport policy.

The authority said the review aimed to create a “fair and sustainable” system that can meet increased demand for services over the past decade.

The council currently spends £10.5m a year on home-to-school transport, compared to £2.2m during the 2018/19 financial year.

The consultation includes proposals relating to post-16 transport, transport for non-compulsory school-age children and alternative provision transport.

Matthew Caton, the council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Every child and young person in our district deserves the opportunity to thrive and access the support they need.

“We know transport can play an important role for some families, which is why it’s important that people take part in this consultation and share their views.

“At the same time, demand for SEND services and transport support has changed significantly in recent years.

“We need to make sure our policies remain sustainable for the future while continuing to meet our legal responsibilities.”

Around 1,200 school-aged children, 160 post-16 learners, and 18 early years pupils currently receive assisted transport across the district.

The council said it had also invested more than £11m in local special education needs and disabilities (SEND) provision to create specialist centres to allow children to be supported closer to home.

Coun Caton said: “At the end of the day, Wakefield is already going above and beyond what is the the statutory guidance.

“My feeling is that education ought to be more effective locally and that’s what we are building upon.

“Its not a matter of costings, it’s a matter of sustainability.

“We are grasping the nettle and looking at how we can build a system that will be sustainable a decade down the line and stand the test of time.

“It’s not a matter of what money can we save, its about what we can do to enhance the offer for the children in the district.”

As part of the consultation, residents are being asked for their views on whether transport for early years SEND pupils should stop, continue free of charge or continue with a “nominal charge.”

In 2025/26, this support cost £231,000, with an average annual cost of around £12,800 per child.

Views are also sought on the policy for pupils attending an alternative provision setting.

Under the proposed change, transport would be provided at the start and end of the school day only.

The council currently provides discretionary support for SEND learners aged over 16 and is proposing that a personal transport budget (PTB) becomes “the first transport offer” for those eligible.

A PTB is a payment that helps families make their own travel arrangements.

The amount offered would be subject to a 10% contribution from families and depend on the distance between home and the place of education.

The consultation opened on September 14 and runs until October 21.

Feedback will be analysed before recommendations are considered by cabinet members in February next year and voted on at a full council meeting the following month.