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Published Delegated Executive Decisions

Welcome. This system contains information about published delegated executive decisions, including exemptions.

Decision Number: 0089 2013/14

Executive Portfolio:
Schools and Lifelong Learning
Decision Number:
0089 2013/14
Exempt / Confidential Item:
No
Ward(s) Affected:
All Wards
Declarations of Interest Received:
None
Title:
Consultation on proposed changes to Home to School Transport Policy
Summary of Decision:
To consult on proposed changes to home to school transport policy.
Proposed Decision:
To approve the commencement of a consultation of schools, parents and children on proposed changes to the Council's Home to School Transport Policy.
Summary of Reason for Decision:
The proposed changes will remove some elements of discretionary transport and provide a more equitable level of assistance to all, with resources focused at families most in need of assistance.
Reason for Decision:
Section 508A-D of the Education Act 1996 and part 6 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006, sets out the Council's duties to provide transport to schools. Schedule 35B of the Act defines "eligible children" - those categories of children in an authority's area for whom travel arrangements will always be required. However there are a number of discretionary travel arrangements in existence within St.Helens where there is no duty to provide free transport. Currently, the Council offers discretionary transport to children (aged 8 and over) who live more than 3 miles or children (under 8 years) who live more then 2 miles from their nearest suitable faith school. Families on low incomes who wish their children to attend faith schools have a statutory right to free transport if their nearest suitable faith school is more than 2 miles and less than 15 miles from home (and this will continue). Guidance published by the DfE in March 2013 stated that "there is no general statutory duty requiring local authorities to provide free transport to faith schools." Secondary Schools currently pay the cost of School/ home to PACE PRU Transport. Applying the same arrangements to Primary Schools will simply bring them in line with Secondary schools. Consultation will commnce before the end of Ocotber and will run for at least 28 days (not including school holidays) and will include: - Publication of proposed changes on the Council Website. - Consultation with the Diocese and Arch Diocese. - Drop in sessions arranged at relevant Faith based Primary/ Secondary Schools who agree to host them. - Letters sent to parents of children in current year 6 of Primary School.
Risks Associated with this Decision:
None
Measures to Redress Risk:
Anti Poverty / Human Rights / Agenda 21 Implications:
Attachments:
Please Contact Iain Smith - Ext 6671 for more details.